The house is almost history too, as they're getting ready to sell it, hence the trip. Amanda warned us that the place was empty and she wasn't joking. It was also somewhat in pieces as contractors were in getting it fixed up to sell. We took our camping stuff - a night under a roof is still better than a night under canvas.
The drive down almost broke my golden rule of staying longer in a place than it takes to travel there. Norfolk (and next-door Virginia Beach) is a bit of a tourist trap, and Saturday is changeover day when one holidaying population leaves and another arrives, at the same time. The road system doesn't really support this so we enjoyed plenty of Pete's story CDs.
The afternoon was spent on the beach, but an early exit was made the next day to avoid the traffic back. We reconvened in Washington DC for a barbecue, and as the four children ran screaming around me I wondered if I couldn't convince Jack to keep the house as a holiday home, somewhere we could escape to for a lads' weekend of crazy fun. Crazy fun like sitting quietly, having a conversation, reading a book uninterrupted, etc.
Off to the beach.
Amanda decides it's fine to sit under my personal sunshade. I don't much like sunshine. Or salt water. Or sand.
Pete escapes the Atlantic waves.
Isabella is a girl after my own heart and insists on being carried everywhere and placed on blankets while on a beach. She'll go far.
Oscar is introduced to the sea by his naval father.
Sandcastle building (note: Izzie sensibly on a blanket).
The boys disappear into the dunes.
Peas in a trailer.
Families photo.
The trouble with the beach is there are no computer games on it. Luckily a local restaurant was able to oblige.
Back in DC, and the party continues in the pool.
Ah Jack - remember when you were young and carefree? So do your neighbours, so well done for selling up.
