Anniversary Trip!

Our trip was FANTASTIC! We had such a good time. It’s hard to believe that we are already celebrating 5 years of marriage! Time feels like it has just flown by. I need it to slow down some. Like now. Haha. While on vacation John and I realized that this was the first trip that him and I have taken somewhere alone since our honeymoon! We have always taken a trip with friends or most of our vacation time in Miami went to friends coming to visit us, us going to see them, or mostly coming home for visits. SO it was MUCH needed. Especially since we have such different work hours normally, it was nice to spend a few days together. On top of that, we both went from our jobs in Miami straight into our jobs here without a break of any kind. So vacation was much overdue and I really couldn’t have asked for a better trip.

We decided Wednesday we would get up early, load up the car, and head on out. We drove to the outer banks and went straight to our first lighthouse of the trip. Eventually, we would like to go to them all so we started to check them off on this trip. Our first one was Currituck. Once we hit the outer banks, we put the top down (duh) and cruised on up to the lighthouse. It was HOT! But a beautiful ride. The lighthouse was gorgeous too. We climbed all the way to the top and took some pictures.

 Currituck! 

 BBQ Lunch :D It was delicous!

Our next stop was going to be a black bear exhibit thing, where we got to learn about them and then go looking for them in the wild! We grabbed some pulled pork on the way and made it just in time for the event. It was pretty neat. We didn’t realize it was going to be a driving tour-so that was a little disappointing, but we did see some black bears (in the distance). After the black bear exhibit we had plans to stay for a red wolf exhibit, which we were REALLY excited about out. We thought we were going to learn about them and then get to hear them howl- but of course the military base close by was doing drills with their airplanes and we couldn’t hear anything. We also thought we were going to get to see one, but we didn’t. We were real disappointed. After that we headed out to our beach house. We still had about an hour or so to go, so we jammed out to some music.

 AH!

 Bhahaha. It's a real bear skin!

The beach house was really cute. It wasn’t right on the beach- a quick walk for sure, but it was on a canal that led straight to the sound. It was perfect for us.

The town we were staying in!

Our beach house 

The inside :D Really cute!

 Views from the porch

                                     
Thursday we slept in some and then got up spent a little time on the porch and ate some breakfast. It was SO nice to have NOTHING to do, no commitments, and to just be able to relax. Then went driving through Avon  to check things out. We also went down to Buxton, where the Hatteras lighthouse is and just checked out the area. Next we tried to hit up the beach, but the wind was incredible. We sat up in a sand dune to keep the sand from stinging us so bad. We didn’t stay long- haha. We figured there were more days to spend on the beach where the wind and sand would not be so bad. After we showered and cleaned up we went to lunch on the water. It was beautiful. The wind was perfect for wind surfers and kite surfers, so we were able to watch some of them while we ate lunch. Other than that, we just enjoyed the day and then went and watched the Heat play at a bar next to where we were staying. WE WON! YAY! This was also the night the bad storm hit Raleigh and was supposed to hit us, but we got really lucky and it didn’t hit us but instead cooled the island down!

Lunch!

 GO HEAT!

 The bad storm we were supposed to have rolling in...it only sprinkled. haha

Friday we got up and lounged around on the patio and played a game. I also made some jalapeno poppers! YUMMY! After we hung out for awhile we hit the beach up again. It was still a little too windy, but much better than the day before.

We hung out for a while and then got ready for the Lost Colony play! It was inland, so we had a little bit of a drive. The play was really good! We think it could have been shorter, but it was really good. Apparently, we got really lucky too- the mosquitoes are usually TERRIBLE since it’s next to the water but the storm the night before dropped the temperature and kept the bugs at bay. It got into the upper 50s! It was a bit chilly. Haha. As we were leaving the cast members were outside!! I didn’t realize we could meet them! I, of course, had to have a picture with the queen! Haha. SO MUCH fun!

After the play we wanted to try out the local brewery. It’s really the only one on the Outer Banks and it’s powered by a windmill! So cool. We thought it was more of like a restaurant, and it might be during the day, but it was in full club mode. Haha. Not our style. haha The music was good though. We stayed for a little while and listened to a few songs. We actually saw someone we knew too! Small world. The beer was really good and they had a HUGE outdoor area with tons of cornhole boards. I’m sure it would be a cool place to go during the day too- probably more our speed then. Haha Anyway, we had a great time :D

Saturday, we had to check out of our beach house :(Sad day. I never even actually met the lady who we rented the house from. John didn’t meet her until we left! She came over around 9 Saturday morning and I was getting ready. It was such a chill place- the people were so trusting! Saturday night we stayed in a motel on the island- and Kristen and AJ came to join us! We were able to check in early and John and I hung out until Kristen and AJ arrived. We met for lunch and got some burgers and then headed to Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. We climbed ALL the way up! It was a gorgeous view. The park ranger at the top was very knowledgeable about all the lighthouses, so we talked to him for awhile. Now I want to learn as much as I can about them! Haha. After the lighthouse we headed out to the beach for awhile. We played bocce and just enjoyed the weather. For dinner we hit up a Mexican restaurant- it was DELICIOUS! We had a great time with them :D Glad they were able to come to the end of our trip!

Sunday we woke up and John and I decided to head to Bodie Lighthouse. We learned this was the first year you could actually go up in it- but we didn’t have time this trip. We did get some pictures at it though! Then we had the most AMAZING lunch. It was right on the water and gorgeous. It was surprisingly not that expensive for seafood either. I will definitely hit that place back up again. SO good. The restaurant just happened to be next to the Tanger Outlets, so we stopped by there for a bit too;D. Haha. We were trying to get back home to watch the State baseball game- we made it as the last inning was over- but we did get to listen to it. Then we watched the Heat game. GO HEAT! :D

Love this man :D

We saw this in one of the stores we went in..bhahaha.

Lunch on the water...

It was a spectacular trip. I really couldn’t have asked for a better one! :D Such a great way to celebrate our 5 year anniversary :D I sure do love that man!! Happy Anniversary babe!