At The Beach (My Trip Home, Part 2)

Everyday I am feeling better, recovering from my last chemo treatment. I wanted to get these pictures up sooner, but just wasn't feeling well enough. These are some random beach pictures I wanted to share....me relaxing on the beach and the kids playing in the ocean. I am still working on my surprise birthday party pictures, so be looking for those soon. 

Emerald Isle, North Carolina

I think with all kids, the sand provides hours of play, and Logan is no exception.

My boys, a fine example of monkey see, mokey do. :)

Logan being buried

Playing in the surf. Logan looks so happy.

Very intense look on Keegan's face riding a wave in

Fun pictures!

I love this shot.

I am so happy that I was able to go home. The shore is my very favorite place to be and really offered some healing for me midway through my chemo....that and family and friends really was wonderful. I was talking to my sister last night and it seems like the trip was forever ago already.....

In case you are wondering, I did get into the ocean. Before I got sick, it wasn't a big deal, but I actually felt scared about going in...whether I would be too weak to withstand the waves....but I did it, I didn't stay in very long, but I went in bald head and all! :)

I will talk to you all soon!

Michelle

OBX Pictures (My trip Home, Part 1)

I hope you are ready for picture overload! :)  I haven't been home in three years, so to say I took a few pictures is an understatement. Today, I'm highlighting our trip to Ocracoke Island, Hatteras Island, Nags Head, Kitty Hawk and Manteo....the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. 

Ocracoke Lighthouse, Ocracoke NC

Cape Hatteras Island, Buxton NC

Now if you remember, I had just had my chemo treament the week before this trip, so I wasn't even sure I was going to be able to climb the 286 steps of the lighthouse. In addition, my sister is afraid of heights, so this was a big deal for her as well! So the kids hustle up the stairs like nobody's business, and my sister and I start the long trek together. Slow step, by slow step, we make it to the first level, and then the next, and then the next. Panting, thighs burning and out of breath of course....but we made it to the top! We both set goals and we both met them! Notice my sister did not move very far from the doorway....but who cares! She made it to the top of Hatteras!

My boys and I with the spectacular view behind us

Looking down the lighthouse

I love this lighthouse, one of my favorites...it's hard to believe it's been 10 years since they moved it inland from it's orginal location.

We also stopped in Nags Head at Bodie Island lighthouse, they are working on restoring the lighthouse and I think I read that they are making it able to climb too.

Next, we travel up to Kitty Hawk where the famous Wright brothers flew their plane off Kill Devil Hill. This was the first time I have ever been to Kitty Hawk, we really enjoyed the memorial.

We also stopped at the Elizabeth II

Logan trying on some armour

And the Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo, NC

Don't think we did all this in one day....oh no, this was a weekend excursion. I still have more pictures of our trip so stay tuned!

Feeling Good and Rested

First of all, thank you for all the comments and emails I've gotten about how I am doing.....I didn't mean to leave you hanging like that. I am feeling pretty good. I have enjoyed the last two weeks with my family in NC and stayed unplugged the whole time. I am back in Missouri now and you know how it is after taking a trip, you've got to get acclimated to normal life again. I keep thinking I've got to hurry up and get ready for the beach, or what ever adventure that we've got planned for the day but then it dawns on me I'm landlocked again. ;) 

 I can't tell you how much I really needed this trip (I think the boys did too...I have to remember I am not the only one going through the effects of chemo). After three chemo treatments I needed to get some sort of relief and I am a true believer that salt air cures nearly anything. I love being around my sister (that cures anything too), time and miles do not make a difference to us, we fall right back into being together like we always have. I enjoy being an Aunt too...a little mischievousness always comes out in me. 

I want to show you some of the adventures while on our trip and the surprise birthday party my sister threw for me. I turned 40 on June 1st and she really got me, that stinker. I am working on editing the pictures and can't wait to show you. I start my fourth round of chemo on Monday so I probably will go missing again for a few days. Again, thank you for your thoughts and prayers, you guys are amazing!