So we went on vacation last week to North Carolina's Outer Banks (and I'm continuing it into this week at home as well). 

We (myself, Maryellen, My sister and her family, my brother and his family, and my mother and her husband - 12 in all) rented a huge beach house right on the shore. This house was amazing - had something like 10 bedrooms, three floors, an elevator, a movie theater, a bar (a real bar), etc etc - the shower in my and Maryellen's room was bigger than the entire main bathroom at our house - very cool.

Instead of telling you about it, it's probably better to show you a few pics:

Here's the bar (which I named "Owl Tavern")

Here's the view from the back:

Sweet. Just sweet. I sat on the balcony every night with my brother, a cigar, and a glass of bourbon and just listened to the ocean. 

Here's Maryellen and I at the front of the house

Very fun week. But I am glad to be home. Got a book to finish!!!