Sharing our life - all our adventures and bumpy rides. Family of four with two young boys - moved back home to allow them the similar experiences and opportunities we had living in North Carolina. Come explore with us!
We enjoyed last year's winter beach trip so much, we just had to return! Thank you Brian and Nancy for letting us book again with you! This year we arrived a bit later Friday evening and posted after the Intracoastal bridge sat a big portable electronic message board informing residents and visitors the "Run Oak Island Marathon 2024" was happening the following day!
After unloading our vehicles, we did some research to learn the marathon course was running right by the house! (Multiple events - Full Marathons, Half Marathons, 10K, 5K and 1 mile races!)
After a good night's sleep, the following morning, the boys (and Moose) were watching by the window and calling out every time they spotted a runner!
We took Moose out for a little walk - on the other side of the road. Definitely a steady stream of runners!
Waited for the day to get a bit warmer - never really did - so off we went to explore the winter beach. There were a few families sitting on the sand with their dogs and playing beach games - in full sweatpants and sweatshirts!
My boys wanted to play in the sand too.... and get as close to the water as possible!!
Brock just couldn't stand his long-sleeved shirt - he was "too hot". I tried wrapping it around his waist - he liked it up by his shoulders better - his cape, he said! Hahaha.
Kade was hard at work building a sandcastle, complete with wall and moat!
Yes, your hands get a little cold playing in the chilly sand!!
They were so proud their creation sustained a big wave, alas it was time to head back. Surprise - halfway home they started to complain how cold their hands were!
Saturday night - let's go out to eat! Tried again for Fishy Fishy Cafe, but were told a 45 minute wait (they don't take reservations). Walked next door to our Edgewater 122 and had a table immediately. They have burgers and chicken with French fries - Brock and Kade were set!
So many rounds of foosball! And lots of foosball in pajamas!
Checking out the pool for summer!
Brock was living the life in his room with computer and tv!
Sunday it was COLD! With a high of 48, we barely made it out of the house (Brock, Kade and I did a 1.5 mile walk, but Brent & Moose completed 3.5 miles!). I loaded everyone into the car for quick trip to see the Oak Island lighthouse!
Fun Facts - Completed in 1958. Lighthouse structure 153 feet tall. Noteworthy - First United States' lighthouse to use rotating LED technology.
Tried to explain to my photographer (Brock) that it was important to get the top of the lighthouse too!
Moose came to see it too!
Last night of the trip - Foosball tournament!!!
So intense!
All things must come to an end and it was time to head home. Good bye Oak Island!
The Friday evening before the local tournament, Kade was invited as 1 of 4 top sparring competitors in his age group (Color Belt Boys 8 and Under) - chosen from the entire Vision Taekwondo student population (6 schools). He was nervous, but secured the 3rd place spot! Woohoo! Go Kade!
On Tournament day, Kade decided to add another event to his repertoire. He wanted to show off a creative form that he had been working on - the entire routine was created by Kade!
This was quite different for us - first thing - creative and extreme forms go on BEFORE the opening ceremony. As in, we had to be there by 8:30am (instead of the standard time of 10:30am). Also, many competitors bring their own portable stereo to perform their routine too. It was overwhelming how loud it was!
This was his Creative/Xtreme ring group. There were some amazing athletes here! The girl to Kade's left put on quite a show with her Xtreme form - jumped up in the air and landed in a split! I was upset I didn't film it!
We both needed a little break, so ran back to the parking lot to decompress in the 4Runner. We returned promptly at 10:20 and they were just getting ready to start his ring. Perfect timing and Kade was warmed up and ready!
His classic form looked great!
Kade performed with his bo staff for weapons. I love how serious he looks!
First interactive event = combat sparring. There were only the two of them competing in this event - no bracket to create, just first and second place finishers!
On to sparring - against the same person! Kade has sparred against him before and he definitely uses his height to his advantage. This tournament, Kade decided to speak to the competition and made a new friend!
Very well run - it was one of the quickest rings we've been through! Good group of kiddos!
Kade finished the tournament with 3rd in Forms, 2nd in Combat Sparring, Sparring, and Creative Forms, and 1st in Weapons.
AND he was chosen as the Spirit recipient as he had good spirits and cheered on all other competitors more than any other in the ring. Another medal to add to your wall! Great job Kade!
