We always leave early in the morning and drive about 4 hours to our favorite breakfast spot in Washington Courthouse, Ohio.

Kim looks forward to this 1/2" thick pork steak all year long!

One of the most scenic stretches is just after we cross into West Virginia.  I always look forward to seeing this charming little cabin....

...with its quilt hanging outside.  I wonder what its story is...

Finding fun places to eat is part of the adventure!  

We couldn't resist!!!

Pilot Mountain is a familiar landmark that we always look forward to seeing.  I've been spotting this iconic sight for 62 years now and it never gets old...

Any of you who have followed me on this blog for very long know that Kim had dubbed Pilot Mountain as Nipper Nob.  No explanation needed...

All of our kids' families travel on their own to meet at the beach, but this year we were thrilled that Kyler's family chose to stay at the same hotel as us.  Gramaw enjoyed some pool time with Lucy (3)...

Kara and Daniel (14 months)...

Kyler and Abram (5)....like father, like son....

Nice way to burn off the pent-up energy of 8 hours of travel!

And nice for Gramaw and Papaw to wake up to these sweet faces at breakfast!

Since we had plenty of time, we took the roads-less-traveled through North Carolina.  There are some interesting towns along the way...

...along with some lovely country scenery.

We decided to stop at a fruit stand for some fresh peaches....

Let me tell you, those peaches were some of the BEST we've had in a long time!  

North Carolina highway...lead me to the BEACH!!!

Oh YEAH...this is what we've been waiting for!  The bridge to Emerald Isle....

Ahhh.....feeling my whole body relax.....

Kamaron and his family picked up the key to our beach house and the rest of us met for supper at our favorite island restaurant, the Crab Shack.

It sustained a lot of water damage during last September's hurricane, but thankfully they were able to clean up and stay in business.

Kristoffer's kids...Kelsey (6 1/2), Kaden (9), Karter (11), and Kassie (6 1/2)....

The Crab Shack has the absolute BEST hushpuppies I have ever eaten!!!  And believe me, I've eaten more than my share of hushpuppies....

Karter definitely agrees with Gramaw!

While we are so thrilled to finally reach the coast, there was certainly plenty of...

...joy in the journey.