Tomorrow my entire family will be heading to Nags Head and I cannot control my excitement! My only responsibility for the week will be lugging my beach chair + umbrella on the sand. Hey, I'll take it! This trip is one special trip for me and my family:

1. This is the first beach trip I've had with my entire immediate family since the summer my mom passed away! I was in the eighth grade you guys, this is way to long to go on without a family beach trip.

2. If you don't believe in signs, you should now. As we started scheduling the trip, we tossed around a few dates that worked for everyone. When we finally found a beach house that we all loved, it ended up being booked. Then my sister-in-law found the most beautiful beach house (it's brand new!) in Nags Head was available from August 15 - August 22. Wow. August 16, 2004, is the anniversary of my mom's passing and on that day my entire family will be together to celebrate her life. Yes, there will be many tears, especially when "What A Wonderful World" by Louis Armstong plays, but this special day will be devoted to celebrating her beautiful life. We love you, mom.