I think of Independence Day as the beginning of the end of summer. My garden is in full bloom, my spring crops are on their last legs, the summer bounty is almost pickable and we have just returned from our family beach retreat.
We headed off last week to Kill Devil Hills, NC coming into the Outer Banks via Manteo as we met up with Steve, Kim and the boys in Raleigh. This route has us avoiding all the horrors of coming through 64, 168 & 158 where you mingle with all the Virginia Beach traffic. Unfortunately, Sun Realty which we have rented through for 30+ years figures we are coming in with all the rest of the Northern Virginia riff raff and schedules us to check in at the Kitty Hawk office instead of the Nags Head office. I call to try to mitigate that and request that our check in be switched to Nags Head. I am informed that is not possible. Fortunately, Kim and I are able to sail through to the Kitty Hawk office, which is empty when we arrive at about 4:20 p.m. As I am checking in I discover that I am not retrieving a physical key but instead am given a code to the keypad lock on the property’s door. Not for ‘nuthin Sun Realty but this is 2019. Airbnb has it all over you. Why can’t I just text you a photo of me holding my driver’s license and then you text me the code? Your system is archaic.
Meanwhile, we send Don & Steve to do the week’s shopping and the kids retreat to the pool.
The rest of the Russos were joining us for the long July 4th holiday weekend. There will be lots of room as there are bedrooms a plenty each with their own bathrooms and they are all located on another floor from my suite! The house is very well equipped including a fully stocked kitchen, gas grill, outdoor shower, basketball court, cornhole boards, ping pong, smart TVs in all the rooms and a great selection of games and DVDs. The place ain’t half bad. We unpack decide it’s cocktail time, watch the sunset and head to the beach for a night visit.
Sunset across the bypass 
Treasure Hunters
We are fortunate as for the most part we had spectacular weather. The water was cold our first day but became progressively warmer each day. The surf was mild and there were no jellyfish, sea lice or sharks. The kids got roasted the first days as they are dumb and reluctant to listen when we tell them to put on more sunscreen.
There was plenty of ‘friendly’ competition also as the family engaged in various games and activities.
Steve’s excessive height is a decided advantage. 
Nana dealing blackjack as we play for candy and monopoly money. 
Big winner.
We engaged in creative cocktail making serving mojitos, moscow mules, Nana’s Caramel Apple & the winner:
It was deliciously refreshing.
July 4th began and ended with a bang.
Yankee Doodle Dandys
The inevitable result of drinking all day. 
Over Avalon Pier 
The gang settling in for fireworks
At the completion of the various displays accompanied by raucous Russo cheering we headed back home catching a glimpse of an ensuing fist fight that was predicated by someone being accused of pilfering someone else’s fireworks and that is why you should not mix alcohol and fireworks, kiddies!
There were a few side trips. We took the boys hiking up at Jockey’s Ridge. They had never seen the dunes before and were impressed and excited (briefly) to climb to the top and see the view to the bay. Darren & Kensley took in the Wright Bros. Monument and Museum there was some shopping for fudge, taffy and sundries plus a few alcohol runs.
Jockey’s Ridge 
Bring beer 
Candy!
Our last beach day looked like it might be a wash out as the clouds gathered and there was a rumbling of thunder.
Soon the clouds parted, the sun was shining and it was time for Spike Ball. The boys attracted some attention with their spirited play (can you say “cutthroat competitors”?) and soon had challenges from on-lookers who never really stood a chance.
The last night consisted of an evening long binge of food and drink as my daughters-in-law cleared out the fridge and cabinets. It started with appetizers like a charcuterie board, buffalo chicken dip, pizzas, chips, pretzels, snack mix and progressed to bbq sandwiches, cole slaw, fajitas which were washed down with various beers, sodas, whisky and moonshine topped off with taffy & fudge.
After hide & seek the moonlight swim must have conjured “the spirits” as the kids tried to exorcise the demons from Steve by putting him in various wrestling holds while he tried to prevent himself from drowning.
The demons were exorcised and we awoke to say our good-byes and wish each other safe travels. Everyone made it home safely despite the holiday traffic and another mountain of memories made it to the books.
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