Jun 20 2008
OBX
I’ve been away from the blogosphere for a while, traveling and writing. For the first time since I was a kid, we took a family trip to the Outer Banks in North Carolina to stay together for a week in a giant beach house. We stayed at a place called The Atlantic Adventure in Corolla — which I later learned on the airplane home is pronounced Ka-RAH-la.
While we were there, I caught some rays, some waves, one tiny fish, a few puny crabs, and a slightly strained ankle. Pops caught a big ole sting ray, and Brian nabbed a puffer fish. Sophie turned out to be quite the water bug. She loved the ocean and the sand so much she tried to eat them both.
After spending some time with her entire Riddell family, including cousin Sawyer, Sophie now says “Hi” and “Uh-oh,” and knows for certain what a ball looks like.
It was a fairly grueling cross-country flight with an active (and very social) baby, but we had a wonderful time and look forward to doing it again next year. Maybe in Malibu? 
Everyone needs time away from the blogging bench! It looks like you had fun on the coast. Having seen both oceans, I can honestly say it’s only the Atlantic that feels like you’ve reached the edge of the earth. Maybe you should spend your next vacation a few hours inland. We finally have our own (2) Starbucks, a Target, brand new Farm Fresh, and the fastest Internet speeds in the state! That’s pretty progressive for a town where barbecue is always abbreviated and can be a noun or verb.
Braz, I thought of the old Walkir gang as I cruised over Wilson/Rocky Mount at 30,000 ft. Seems like a millennium ago. What are you up to now? Ever hear from George or Caroline? The others I won’t need updates on if you catch my drift…
Wow, it has been a while! The unnamed entities controlling Walkir had their final meltdown in 2000, taking the company with them. I freelanced a year and went to work for George in 2001. Been there ever since. I spend my days cutting corporate in front of an Avid and worshiping at the altar of Adobe. George’s middle son (Chandler) just graduated. Caroline after a spell away from the work world has joined the documentary fray. See link below.
http://missnancymindstheirmanners.com/press.htm
I’ve followed your exploits for a couple of years now after you came up in conversation and one of us Googled you. Kudos! You did exactly what you said you were going to do. Needing a change, I’ve recently begun writing. I blog in a couple of spots, and I’ve a fair start on a book and a short story. I’m older and wiser and realize that good things may come to those who wait, but great things happen when you make them happen.
Great pics! Looks like all had fun. I love the Taco Salad Cannon Ball and Chad’s KISS shirt!
Looks like everyone had a good time and was relaxed…in fact, I haven’t seen my bro look that loose in years….get him to do more of it!