My Blog Posts
Growing Up Together on the Outer Banks
Published October 27th
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There is something uniquely meaningful about growing up with a second family—a group formed not by blood but through shared experiences and traditions. For our three families, the Outer Banks became more than just a summer destination; it was the setting for an annual tradition that shaped our childhoods and created a lifetime of memories. Each year, the same stretch of sandy coastline welcomed us back, a signal of one of my favorite weeks of the whole year. The ocean breeze, the sound of waves crashing, and the sight of familiar faces made it feel like a home away from home.
The six of us children, all siblings within three years of age, quickly formed an inseparable group as soon as we arrived. Days were spent in the sun, where the beach became our playground. We spent hours riding waves on boogie boards, perfecting our sandcastle designs complete with seashell decorations and intricate moats, and diving into spirited games of soccer on the sand. Evenings were just as lively, filled with board games, dance parties, and shared meals where stories and laughter flowed freely.
Our parents, who had met in college and stayed close over the years, played a pivotal role in making these trips special. Their bond set the foundation for ours, and their commitment to these annual gatherings ensured that the tradition continued. Looking back, I am grateful for their friendship and for the memories they helped us create.
For us, the Outer Banks was far more than a vacation spot. It was a place where we could immerse ourselves in the simple joys of summer. It was a week filled with sunshine, laughter, and countless ice cream cones—and so much more.
2021
2009
What More Could I Ask For?
Published November 3rd
Beyond our summers in the Outer Banks, we’ve had the chance to explore so much more together. One of the standout trips was a cruise we all went on as a group. Between the endless buffets, packed days at ports, and late-night laughs, it was a whirlwind of fun. It was the kind of trip where every moment, from getting lost on the ship to sharing stories over dinner, became its own adventure.
Another highlight was our kids-only trip to Virginia Beach. With no parents to supervise, we quickly discovered the freedom (and chaos) of planning our own activities. From lazy beach days to figuring out dinner plans on the fly, it was a new beach we had a great time at.
As we’ve gotten older, staying connected hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve made it happen. Visiting each other at college has been a great way to keep the tradition alive. Each campus had its own vibe, and exploring new places while catching up in person was a great reminder of how those friendships remain strong, no matter where life takes us.
Looking back, I’m grateful for how much we’ve done together. From the beaches to the cities and everywhere in between, these shared adventures have made for some of my favorite memories. Even as life gets busier, I’m looking forward to seeing where the next chapter takes us—and planning the next trip, of course!
My BDAY in the OBX
Published November 10th
July 12th is not just any day—it's my birthday, and I’m lucky enough to have celebrated it during the peak of summer, right in the heart of the Outer Banks. I feel so blessed to have so many of my birthdays be celebrated in my favorite place with some of my favorite people. From the warm, salty air to the sound of waves crashing, this coastal paradise provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable celebration. Growing up, my birthday often coincided with our annual family trip to the Outer Banks. The combination of my absolute favorite time of year and the people I love made it an ideal setting for an unforgettable day. The day was spent with my closest friends and family, all of us basking in the summer sun, laughing, and making memories. We spent hours in the warm Atlantic waters, boogie boarding, and soaking up the sun. Of course, no birthday celebration in the Outer Banks would be complete without a trip to one of our favorite local spots. We headed to Sundogs, a classic restaurant spot we visit every year. The atmosphere was exactly what I love about the Outer Banks—casual, welcoming, and always a bit lively. There was a stage with music we could dance on. We would end the night with donuts or cake, a sweet treat that was the perfect end to a perfect day.
Sunrises and Sunsets
Published November 17th
We are officially adults now—scary, right? All six of us went to college, representing schools across Virginia, Indiana, Alabama, Maryland, and D.C., and a myriad of majors. It’s hard to believe how much has changed since the days when we spent every summer together. Christy and I have one more semester, and soon we’ll join the others with our degrees.
Sadly, our annual beach trips have come to an end. As much as we loved those weeks in the Outer Banks, adult commitments have made it tough to coordinate. Between school, work, and life in general, it’s trickier than ever to get everyone together. But despite the change in traditions, our bond has remained strong. We still make the effort to see each other whenever we can, and those moments always feel like picking up right where we left off.
Our most recent reunion was in August for Ryan’s wedding, which brought us all together. It was so much fun to celebrate such a special moment together.
While life has moved us into new chapters, some things don’t change. We’ll always be the kids who played Charades, danced in the kitchen, and lived in a swim suit. Those memories are part of who we are, and they’ll continue to tie us together no matter where life takes us next.