Page 29 - The Barefoot Guide (2019)

F AMIL Y because they allow us time to slow down and just be together,
surrounded by the ones we love. Thanks to all of you who submitted
an entry for our annual contest. We received numerous, outstanding
TRADITIONS entries and have chosen a winning family who this year captures
the spirit of “Tradition” on Emerald Isle. The winning entries can be
viewed in their entirety on our website at EIRFamilyTraditions.com.
We invite all of our Emerald Isle Realty guests to enter. First prize is a
Families come in all shapes and sizes and no matter how you define free one-week vacation on Emerald Isle during our Islander or Sports
your family, one thing is certain — nothing is more important in season! See our website for submission information:
our lives than those we love. Family vacations are to be treasured EIRFamilyTraditions.com.

A typical day begins with an early morning bike It is rinsed off and readied for the next day.
ride. Back at the house the boys are setting up The towels are collected and run through the
the beach camp to include tent, chairs, towels, laundry so they will be fresh and ready to go the
books, sunscreen, cooler, etc. Around 9:00 am, next morning. By now, you are probably feeling
once the camp is complete, they are hard at sad for the boys—there seems to be nothing for
work getting breakfast ready. We are talking them but chores! Not so! Between all of their
a real breakfast, not fast food — eggs, bacon, beach responsibilities, they manage to pawn
potatoes, toast, coffee and juice. We don’t fool shop/thrift store hop for miles and miles and
around when it comes to the most important miles. It is amazing what can be bought at a
meal of the day! After breakfast it is time to pawn shop.
get the girls all covered up with just the right
amount of sunscreen. Finally, it’s time to hit the Most evenings are spent at the beach house.
beach, or as the boys would say, “finally, they They are filled with evening walks through the
are gone!” On the beach the sunbathing begins neighborhood, dominos, DVDs and ball games.
as books are read, waves are rode and naps are Occasionally we will venture out to one of the
taken every day for six glorious days! island's local restaurants, but it is so relaxing
for us to just stay still and enjoy the quiet
The Pampered Wives of Emerald Isle What are the boys doing? Well, as stated, this neighborhoods and the sounds of the ocean.
is the girls' week. Sometime mid-day lunch We have been friends since we were children
The Booth and Marsico families’ (Ronnie, Robin, is served on the beach complete with fresh playing in the sandbox in the back yard. As we
Roy and Joy) yearly journey from the mountains sandwiches and an ice cold sweet tea. As a grew into adulthood, it became harder and
of southwest Virginia to Emerald Isle started in mid-afternoon treat, there may be an ice cream harder to make time for the simple things of
2009. We previously vacationed at a fast paced, break or some other sweet surprise. Again, childhood. So now, if for just one week, we
over populated destination that just was not served on the beach! Then more books, waves continue our childhood friendship by playing in
what we were looking for in our search for a and naps. your “sandbox," each year as unique as the one
slow lane vacation. before and the next one to come. We have made
By late afternoon, the day is done and the girls a “beach bottle” and a memory book each year
We had heard stories of a quiet place on an head back to the house for a fabulous evening to capture the fun times we have had. At the end
island just off the North Carolina shore. Could meal—yes, prepared by the boys! They can of each week, it is back to the real world; but for
this be the place we longed for? The decision actually cook when they put their minds to it. one magical week sometime in July, the girls are
was made to make this magical place our next There has been meatloaf, grilled burgers, pasta, pampered beyond imagination. The boys will
vacation destination. We made contact with tacos, salads, and much more—the menu is have about 51 weeks of pampering to follow, and
Emerald Isle Realty as suggested by a friend. carefully planned months in advanced; recipes then...girls week spins back around!
They helped us choose a house that was just are gathered and tested to make sure they will
right for our first stay on the island. This first be a hit! The grocery list for the entire week is All of this would not be as stress-free and
taste of the amazing shoreline had us hooked! meticulously made before the trip begins and smooth if not for the dedication of the Emerald
We could not wait for the next summer to spin ordered on-line for pickup at a local grocery Isle Realty family; they are our vacation partner.
around! We start making plans the beginning of store on day one. Upon arrival at our "summer When we arrive on the island they are the first
October for the following July. We have visited home," the menu is posted on the refrigerator at faces we make contact with and are always
during every week in July for many years. To be the beginning to our fabulous week! eager to help us get to the beach as quickly as
clear—this is just not any week at the beach— possible.
this is the girls' week at the beach. The boys The boys gather the beach camp and all the
come along to make it happen. paraphernalia that goes with it from the beach.

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