Currituck Beach Lighthouse

One of the only requests during our trip was from Cutter, he wanted to climb a lighthouse. We climbed Cape Hatteras a few summers ago and that particular lighthouse has a height requirement and he was not able to climb. He figured since he was older and taller he should be good to go. We found out that Currituck does not have a height requirement so it wouldn't have mattered anyhow. The kids really enjoyed reading and learning about the history of the lighthouse and especially loved that we had family that had lived here at one point in time.

 

Sailor decided she didn't want to make the climb so it was just the boys and me.

Always an amazing view from the top.

Cutter loved the climb, but did not like the 30mph winds that were blowing at the top. He also didn't want to get too close to the edge, which is obvious by his face.

We did it!

  Still a little chilly out but it turned into a beautiful day.

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

Since we were planning a trip to NC for spring break, and the kids don't often find visiting family the most exciting thing to do, I was determined to find something "fun" to do while there. While researching for some things we've never done, I came across the wild horse tour. The kids have never been for a ride on the beach and certainly never seen wild horses. Little did I know when I booked this trip that it would be freezing cold temperatures and rainy. Seriously.

You have know idea the relief I felt when we pulled up and the tops were on the trucks.

Cutter was so excited to drive on the beach.

Cold, rainy and super windy too. Lovely.

  We did get a beautiful tour of the northern outer banks. I had no clue how many people lived off the paved roads.

Halfway through the tour the sun finally tried to appear. And sadly, this was the only horse to be seen.

The tour guide said due to the weather they had not seen any horses in several days, we were lucky to see him.

We may have only seen one horse, but we all enjoyed the tour and I would definitely recommend it. Perhaps just on a warmer day.

Birthday Fishing

The only request Cutter had for his birthday this year was to go fishing. So the weekend before his birthday Hank took him over to the beach. The gulf side was a little too rough for fishing so they went back over to the sound side. As you can see, it was a perfect day other than not catching anything.

I think he has the hang of it. He sits back with a snack and a drink.

His proud find of the day, a hermet crab. Thankfully, he returned him back to the water.

Pensacola Ice Flyers

Our fabulous neighbors gave us tickets to an Ice Flyers game recently. Hank had been one time before and taken Sailor, but Tucker had strep throat at the time and the rest of us had to stay home. I was so excited to finally get to go. How have I never been to a hockey game before?! They are so exciting and fun! Seriously. If you have never been, you have to go.

As you can tell by the stands, we got there a little early. By the time the game started, the place was full.

The mascot.

 

Little bit of blue cotton candy leftovers.

The slamming into the wall and the fights were pretty great.

This kid and his cotton candy. It looks like he ate a smurf.

Harry Potter Night

One of the bookstores in Destin hosted a Harry Potter night earlier this year and since Sailor loves all things Potter, my friend Stephanie and I took Sailor and her two girls. Where else can you dress in your finest robe, carry your wand and fit right in with other people?! It was a very small turnout but the girls didn't mind one bit. They basically had run of the store. They had a sorting ceremony, scavenger hunt and Harry Potter jeopardy.

  They also gave out samples of butter beer. Sailor was so excited.

 

After the event we stopped at the Starbucks in the store for a full size, house themed butter beer.

Ravenclaw butter beer.

Dead deer

For the first time since living here, Hank joined a hunting club this past season. He enjoyed having a more private area to set up a deer stand and even having a place to ride his four wheeler. Words cannot express the excitement he had over finally killing a deer in Florida. I can't tell you how excited I was to finally have meat in the freezer.

 

Not entirely sure how our homeowners association would feel about us cleaning a deer in our yard, but at least we were smart enough to do it in the back yard behind a closed fence.

  Who gets that happy over cleaning a deer?!

Girls can hunt too.

As soon as the season opens, Hank spends every possible morning on the water duck hunting. He loves it and Tucker loves it. Sailor decided it was time she find out what the fuss was about. Hank and Dale took Sailor and Morgan out one morning for their very first duck hunt. Although Sailor wasn't given a gun or the opportunity to shoot, she seemed to love every minute of it. Well, except maybe the getting up so early part.

 I'm not entirely sure why, but she seemed to enjoy holding a dead bird. She just might be a future hunter.