Thirty Days of Turning Thirty

Event: Road Trip to Topsail Island to Join Jim’s Family at the Beach

Every year, Jim’s family gathers at Topsail Island for a week of fun in the sun.  They’re kind enough to extend an invitation to me, but let’s be honest, with four houses and forty-odd people, I’m not sure they’d notice an uninvited guest.  

I drove over this afternoon and took advantage of the solo time in the car by belting out some fun tunes along the way.  A little MC Hammer and Alanis Morissette made the trip fly by.  

It was a great day for a stroll on the beach.  Plus, Jim discovered the joys of making sand balls.  (While there are conflicting stories, I hear that Nanako stole this idea from Jim before he even had it.)

The family alternates hosts for dinner each night and I’m not sure I could have picked a better evening to be here.  Jim’s Aunt Nancy prepared a Mexican spread that was as delicious as it was impressive!  She said she planned it for my birthday.  I choose to believe her.

Before heading back to enjoy some beverages and fellowship on the deck, we gathered outside for some group photos.  Here is a portion of the family waiting for their turn to pose.  Yes, I said a portion.

I love their beach week tradition and am grateful to be included.  I mean, it’s not every week I get an opportunity to hang out with forty ODD people at the beach.  

Good times.