Corolla, N.C. in November

November 10-13, 2011. Nothing beats a surprise trip to the beach in November, except for a FREE surprise trip to the beach in November complete with three night stay in an over-the-top fabulous beach front house. Thanks to our friends Tom and Angela and Hurricane Irene, we enjoyed a wonderful long weekend. Tom and Angela stayed in this same house the week after the hurricane battered the coast. They lost two days of their vacation with extended family and upon arrival were greeted with mountains of sand and debris. The family worked to put the house in order and the owner of the house was so grateful that he offered a free stay between October and March. Angela and Tom asked us to join and we are so glad we did. Lincoln was thrilled to greet the ocean. Despite the 60 degree water, Lincoln actually spent more time with his feet in the ocean on this short stay than he did the entire time we were on Ocracoke Island in August. Just goes to show how a couple of months can make a huge difference in the development of a 4 year old's confidence.

All four boys playing in the November ocean. From bottom left - Shane (4 years), Ryan (8 years), Lincoln (4 years), and Berkeley (22 months).

The HOUSE!!! The picture doesn't do it justice. 9 bedrooms, 12 full bathrooms, game room with pool table, movie theater, two family rooms both outfitted with leather couches, five refrigerators, hot tub, pool, 300+ book library, three car garage...I could go on and on.

Shane and Lincoln were in heaven. A private movie theater from which they could select any movie or cartoon they wanted - I actually felt the need to level set with Lincoln about future beach trips and beach houses. I don't want him to start thinking this is the norm.

Family room.

Berkeley was less into the movies, but really enjoyed the Ben & Jerry's after dinner delight.

And Duck Donuts for breakfast in the morning. The life of kings I tell you.

If you look closely, you can see that the donuts and ice cream have resulted in a "butt in the front" for my not so little boy.

Googly eyes.

It's not cold mama, really, it's not. Lincoln, based on your expression, I don't believe you for one minute. Sorry kid - you can't fool me.

Berkeley definitely thought it was cold after pitching face forward into the tidal pool.

Cuddling with daddy to get warm.

Sunday we were lucky to enjoy unseasonably warm weather - nearly 75 degrees.

A perfect way to end the trip - watching toons while the grown ups clean up. Again, the life of kings I say.