ImTheCaptain
I disagree with you
I will say the most brilliant aspect of the trip was having Harry Potter on CD to listen to in the car; both kids were silent and left each other alone for two 4-hour car trips (Raleigh to OBX, then back to Raleigh).
The actual time at the beach house wasn't too bad, other than constantly making sure an adult was 'on duty' - there were eight kids in our house alone ranging from 3mo to 16yrs, and between the beach and then the pool at our house there was a 'constant vigilance' vibe to everything because of the kids/water factor.
The only *really* rough day was when we went to Hatteras Lighthouse; it was stupid hot, the kids were days into beach vaca and just exhausted from so much activity and then staying up too late with their cousins, and girl child was not only exceptionally cranky but also extra sassy/full of attitude. Boy child was just being a massive whiner. Pretty sure more than once PM and I contemplated leaving the kids behind and driving away. Added to that was the fact I was coming down with a massive cold, so not only was it hot but I was also getting feverish hot flashes. The lighthouse was cool (we all went up to the top w/out issue), but I can't exactly say we had fun that day.
where on OBX were you at?