NC : Wright Brothers

Another morning full of sun, sand and kites. The kids couldn't be happier as long as they all had some type of shovel and bucket. They gathered shells and made several different cakes in their bakery. 

 

sam : greta : emily : molly

We brought our big kite and tested it out on the Atlantic coast. We had seen dolphins swimming right in front of us every trip to the beach so far. Very cool. Today we got another treat. Molly and I were talking and looking out for dolphins when all the sudden we both screamed and pointed out to the water. Brandon turned to see what we were freaking out about, unfortunately, he missed it and lost control of the kite, which plummeted into the water. We saw a WHALE! We don't know what kind, but it was definitely bigger than any of the dolphins we saw and sooo close. For the next 15 minutes or so our eyes were peeled on the water, searching for another glimpse. We saw tons of sprays of water shooting up from their blow holes (There had to have been more than one there), but weren't able to see any more whales jumping up. 

just before the event

After lunch we got all gussied up and hit up the Wright Brother Museum. Sam's kindergarten class was going on their first field trip during this trip and he was so bummed that he was going to miss it. I promised that we would make it up and go on our own field trip. I think ours was better. 

greta and max : checking out the exhibits

field trip

This helps illustrate the pattern of the first flights. Each marker behind us shows how far the airplane flew on the first four tests. We had all the little kids race back and forth to each marker. 

 

It was especially windy up on the hill. This is where Orville and Wilbur would climb and test the gliders. Can't imagine how bad the sandblasting would be back then. But it was a gorgeous view. You could see most of the island.

so windy

Tried dinner at Kill Devil Grill before we met Shauna at the church building to given a little illustration presentation. The boys loved the root beer float and swordfish.

 

one float two straws : mr. blue eyes

the gehrings

Sam and Greta insisted on both sleeping on the top bunk because they were the oldest. We checked on them frequently, but didn't have to worry too much after Greta's prayer of, "Please bless me not to kiss Sam until we are married."

Our other favorite quote of the trip: "I so wish I would have caught that ball of poop."