Ocracoke 2007: Lincoln's First Vacation

In early July, Erik and I took our first "family" vacation with Lincoln and what better place to go than the famed Ocracoke Island. For those of you who haven't heard, Ocracoke was rated by Dr. Beach as having the best beaches in the United States. We had a great time, although admittedly, going to the beach and vacationing is definitely different with a baby, but a very good different. While we are campers at heart, this year we decided to plead the case of new parents and rather than roughing it in the national campground we opted for a cute gingerbread house in the village. Although Lincoln's early morning serenades are unique, I am guessing that those in the campground might not have appreciated his developing voice as much as we do.

This is "Marsh Haven" house. Truly a unique, little gem of a house owned by Pat Garber, naturalist, author, and artist.

Beautiful, natural Ocracoke beaches.

Lincoln is ready for the beach in his stylish shades.

Hanging with mom on the beach.

Taking a late day stroll along the shore.

His shirt posts the warning: Caution Will Eat Sand, but I think we have until next year's beach trip before we have to worry about this.

Lincoln didn't seem to mind dipping his toes in the warm ocean water.

This vacation marked a lot of 'firsts' for Lincoln. After two months of physical therapy to help Lincoln develop his neck and torso muscles (which were a touch underdeveloped given that he arrived a month early), Lincoln made us proud by holding his head up on his own. He is still a bit of a bobble head, but dramatically improved.

He has also started reaching and grabbing toys as well as faces...

And he finally found his thumb. Keep your fingers crossed that he is able to find it in the middle of the night.

He loves hanging out under his jungle gym. The felt toys traveled to Ocracoke too.

Emerson was also really happy to see the felt toys, or maybe just happy to be out of his car seat. Ursula, Jeremy, and Emerson joined us mid week.

They played hard and slept hard. It is hard to imagine what they will be like when they are five years old.

Lincoln is showing off his new thumb trick to his Nana.

The boys are ready for a day at the beach. It was hard to resist dressing them alike in these cute little beach outfits and sun hats. Ursula and I have promised Jeremy and Erik that we won't play twins with the boys too often.

Emerson settling in for an afternoon nap on the beach.

Ursula celebrates after a great bocce ball toss, while Jennifer's mom watches the boys.

Jennifer's dad and Jeremy getting ready to start a new bocce ball game with the toss of the little yellow ball, unofficially named the 'wicker.'

Taking a break in the shade.

Jennifer's parents enjoying the beach. They joined us late in the week as they couldn't pass up the opportunity to vacation with their children, sons in law, and grand babies.

The Bryant Family.

The Walker Family.

One of the best times of day on the beach is early evening. The sky colors can be pretty amazing.

Going home on the ferry after another great vacation on Ocracoke.