The Prices Write: Emerald Isle, NC

I love family vacations almost more than anything else in this world. My parents always plan such fun things for us to do and it's just the best getting to spend so much time all together. It was even more special spending so much quality time together this year knowing that we would be moving the day after we got home. Sigh.

This year we went to Emerald Isle, North Carolina. My grandma is from NC and her family was having a big family reunion, so my parents found a beach house for us to stay in for the week leading up to it. The house was perfect because it was newly remodeled and just about 50 yards away from the beach with a nice boardwalk leading out to the sand. Along with the main house, there was a separate smaller house where Eric, Brody and I stayed. Being so close to the beach and having a separate area for Brody to sleep and take naps made for the perfect vacation for the parents of a 16 month old. We had easy access to the beach and could go play as much as we wanted and then head inside for nap time.

We had the best time with everyone eating delicious seafood, enjoying the picturesque Atlantic scenery, playing on the beach, relaxing on the deck, barbequing delicious food (thanks to the grill master, Eric) and playing games until the wee hours every night. With Kellyn living in Dallas for the summer for Ryan's internship, Syd getting ready to head off to college in the fall and Taylor gearing up for high school, we have a lot of change going on in our family right now so it was especially fun to spend quality time with everyone during all the transition.

Brody absolutely LOVED the beach and we had so much fun watching him laugh and play the whole time with his favorite people. He was held, played with and spoiled the entire week and a half. He loves his grandma, grandpa and aunts so much and will really miss them once we move. He loved building and destroying sand castles, watching the seagulls and playing in the waves. He is definitely his mother's son!

Eric's family was not much of a beach vacationing family growing up, but being a member of the Monson family he is quickly learning the relaxation and fun that is unmatched by little else. He had to skip out a few days early to get home for the movers to come pack and load all of our things, but I was so glad he was able to be there for most of the time.

I could never thank my parents enough for such a wonderful week. It was so special to be able to spend so much time together and I will treasure this fun trip and the memories we had forever!