If introverts recharge alone and extroverts recharge with friends, I am a beachtrovert. Nothing fills my cup quite like time by the sea! Apparently this runs in our family because Mazen absolutely loves the beach. He spent hours in our last few days just sitting in the surf and gazing at the ocean. We were lucky to get a few days with really calm waves that were ideal for swimming together, and he loved showing me how brave he was in the (small) waves. Also, we did not see a drop of rain all week, and for that I could not be more thankful!
We went to Jockey’s Ridge at sunset one evening, and M thought the giant sand dunes were the coolest.
So much space to run!
Ice cream after!
Followed by late-night crab hunting. He LOVED this!!
Smoothies for breakfast:
Open-faced BLT melts for lunch with a beer on the last day:
Pirate sand castle!
Sand friends:
Cocktail hour on the beach is the best!
The Golden Strand where I used to stay with my parents for years:
Dinner out at Goombays. They have a cute kids cocktail menu that features this Shirley Temple that came with the grenadine in the shark. M got to pour it in himself. So cool!
Adulting:
Coconut shrimp + crab cake salad for me!
More ice cream for dessert! [His outfit!!!]
So many great memories <3
Erin @ Her Heartland Soul says
I miss the beach! One of the few downsides of living in the Midwest!
Alana says
I agree! I love living in the Midwest but wish the sea was within a days drive! The lake “beaches” just aren’t the same!
Kath, glad to read you had wonderful weather and a great vacation!
Kate says
Beachtovert, I love it! I feel the exact same way! My husband and I went to the obx two weeks ago, and it was exactly what we needed to relax and recharge from our busy lives of moving to a new house and getting ready to have a baby!
Ashlee says
Genius! I think I’m a beachovert too.. Except it also applies to lakes and rivers and any body of water. Part of me wonders if I lived close to a beach (as opposed to Denver) if I would just get used to it and not appreciate it as much?? I guess I’ll have to move to the beach in some phase of life to test the waters (pun intended). And definitely mazens outfit is the raddest.
KathEats says
I’ve always wondered the same thing!
Ella says
I grew up on a lake, and then lived away from immediate water for years, and now live 2 miles from the beach in LA, and I still don’t take it for granted, I just can’t for whatever reason – I remain a strong beachtrovert! 🙂 I always find myself going there, even with all my kids (3 age 4 and under) and the hassle it involves. And always by myself, even if it’s just for a run or a coffee.
KathEats says
Jealous that you’re so close!
[email protected] says
It looks like a lovely trip!
Janet says
I’m a beachtrovert too. Well most any body of water. I guess that is the Aquarius in me. I liked the way Mazen face planted, jumped up and kept on going. (glad he was ok). Looks like a great vacation was enjoyed by all.
Ashley says
Sounds like such a wonderful time! I am definitely a beachtrovert- park me next to the ocean and I’ll be happy for hours just watching the waves. The shark is so cute!
Toadieo says
How was the pineapple sculpin? We love the plain and I like the grapefruit (husband not so much). Need to try the pineapple. Also, update on the wine in the cans… were they good?
KathEats says
The sculpin was too bitter for me 🙁 And I didn’t really taste the pineapple.
This brand of wine in a can is AWESOME!!!
Jill says
The beach is so relaxing! After a terrible life experience, I went to the beach on the Oregon coast for 3 days by myself and it was so perfect! Exactly what I needed to relax and recover from a stressful situation.
Hannah | Eat, Drink, and Save Money says
Fun! Finding ghost crabs at night is my all time favorite beach memory from being a kid. I love that you do that with Mazen!
Jess says
Mazen is so cute! What a fun trip!
Liz says
What hotel did you stay at?
KathEats says
I rented a condo in Kill Devil Hills
Mom says
I adore the beach! Always have since my Ocean City, Maryland days. So glad you had a good trip! Love the photo of Maze running (and all the other photos of Maze, of course!)
Lindsey says
This is random to say but, I’m newly pregnant and also have a 5 year old girl. In all the years we’ve been trying for a second baby I’ve always said I wanted another girl, but seeing these pictures of Mazen made me actually hope for a boy for the first time 🙂 He is just adorable.
KathEats says
Aw congrats!
SarahMTSBB says
The beach is my happy place, too. When I lived in Wake Forest and could not deal with the idea of moving to MI I drove to Wrightsville and felt so much better. The one and only day in my 5 years in NC that I took a spur of the moment beach day. Now I’m in MI watching summer end and dreading winter. Boo! One day I might get over my husband uprooting our lives to make me live in MI while he travels 50-75% of the time for his job…MAYBE!
Sarah @ BucketListTummy says
Mazen is such a cutie. I think beachtrovert is the perfect description for me too! So much good food and ice cream 🙂
Poly M says
Jockey’s ridge is pretty sweet! I was in the same area at the end of July and visited there, but the sun was so hot the sand was brutal on your feet! Sunset sounds like a much better time to visit 😀
Gloria says
The picture of you and Mazen is beautiful! Definitely a framer! They’re all such beautiful photos 🙂