For as long as I can remember, my family has been vacationing in North Carolina for a week or two each summer. Except for one summer when we were moving and a second when we opted for a family cruise instead, I’ve spent at least one glorious week of my life each year frolicking on the beach, being bad at mini golf, sucking down ice cream and searching for seashells.

Welcome, you have arrived!

We rented a house for the first couple of years, but my grandparents eventually decided to build their own from the ground up. As far as I’m concerned, it was the best idea they’ve ever had. Since they live about seven hours north of the beach, they make it down several times a year. I’m totally jealous! I have so many memories in this house, and I hope that my kids will have fond memories of it too one day.

The boy and I were only down for 3 days and four nights this year, but we managed to cram in lots of fun. We swam in the ocean, challenged my family to mini golf, spent some time in Myrtle Beach, raced on jet skis and looked for all One Tree Hill memorabilia in Wilmington.

Ready to ride

See you later, alligator!

The ALLEGED winner of mini golf

I also spent a good amount of time taking artsy (depends on who you ask) pictures. It’s safe to say that if I wasn’t in the ocean, I was snapping away 95% of the time. By the end of the trip, I’m pretty sure the boy wanted to chuck my camera in to the waves. Everyone will thank me for these photos one day, I swear! Here are some of my favorite “artsy” snaps:

My dad and brother talking about the waves one stormy morning

I spy a beach house

Just a casual shot of sea oats in the breeze

Protecting the porch

I’ve been back to reality for a week now, and I already can’t wait for North Carolina ’13. It’s just so nice to get away for a bit and soak up the sun. I’m trying to concoct a way to run away to the beach and make millions for just relaxing and having fun. Realistic, right?

Where is your favorite vacation spot?

Photos: Kristin Bassett/BeautyXpose