This is the house we rented with some of my siblings. For the first three days we had the place to ourselves. It was a strange feeling, the three of us rattling around in a five bedroom, six bath house. It was certainly a luxurious place to us, with pool, hot tub, huge tv, all of which we barely used since the weather was perfect and we were on the beach and in the ocean most of the time. I'm grateful for the accomodations, and yet I'd have been perfectly happy with much less.
The house in the center of this photo is where the wedding was held. This four story house makes the one we stayed in look like a shack! It was a great place for a party, and I'm glad it had an elevator, considering I'd just finished my sixth round of chemo and was a bit weak. This house was completely destroyed by a hurricane just 5 years ago. Apparently, the revenue from renting it out was enough motivation to rebuild, on this narrow strip of sand where houses aren't meant to be.
The newlyweds, Kim & Mark
Most of my family (two nephews weren't able to come)
Cape Hatteras lighthouse - Steven & Clare climbed the 270 or so steps to the top. I stayed on the ground.
Our first evening there, Clare was totally captivated by the ocean, and by the shore birds.
Clare hadn't been to an ocean in three years. We were fortunate to have great weather all week, and the ocean was still warm. Being south of the cape, where the island turns back southeast, the surf is very gentle in Hatteras. Steven and I both got some swimming in, and we took Clare out past the breakers where the waves would lift us off our feet and set us down again, much to Clare's delight. I have very strong childhood memories of beach vacations (usually in MD and DE) and I was happy to get to share the experience with Steven (whose beach has always been California) and Clare.
Clare hanging out with my eldest brother Mike and his wife Janna
The wedding was simple and elegant and beautiful
Clare made a friend and they played all week!
My youngest brother Greg and his daughter Lily
Clare had a great time learning new dance moves from the best man.
I know we never would have taken this trip if it hadn't been for Kim's wedding. It would have seemed too far (six hours of flying, followed by four hours of driving) too expensive (thankfully, my parents helped with airfare, and sharing the house with three other families made a huge difference). We are all really glad we went and will cherish the memories forever.
