THE BEACH!!!

Since we've had the kids (going on 2 1/2 years now), we haven't traveled outside of Alaska. It's expensive to leave and with 5 kids instead of 2, well...that's obvious, right? But July 2014 was my parents 50th anniversary, so a great vacation was planned.

We six kids with our spouses and collective 25 grandkids (minus a few with conflicts) all went to Emerald Isle, North Carolina the second week of September. It was hugely memorable and just a blast for the littles to meet cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents for the first time. Add to that, the beauty and fun of the ocean and you have a magical experience.