Memories...

A friend asked us to write down some memories as a gift....


Of course, when I think of the Hitchings Family I think of the Beach. Our times at the Outer Banks are indeed some of our best memories together. From way back, when I first went, and I was amazed by the laid back vibe of the people-- the wind and waves. I remember Kayaking in the sound with Courtney and Jason, and taking long bike rides to the north into the Wild Horse teritory. And the beach itself, we’d form a procession of wagons and shovels and kites and coolers-- trudging across the beach and setting up a formidable line of colorful gear. Talon, Eliot and Lucas had so much fun walking up and down the line of beach chairs,  getting a snack from someone, a hug from someone, and sunscreen from someone else. I remember building huge castles with Jason and Thomas. We’d head down to the surf to cool off and let the waves tease us. When the baby would tire and cry, I would carry him down the beach for as long as it took to find quiet.  Fast asleep, I’d bring them back and we would lay them in the cool, deep hole and cover it with a towel so they could sleep in the shade. Back at the cottage, we’d shower and play-- watch movies, play cards and eat sandwiches with beautiful tomatoes. The beach week was always the best week of the year.

I loved the family gatherings at Granny’s too. Whether it was Christmas, someone’s birthday, or just because.  When the Watts family got together, the scene was always crazy and fun. The mornings were quiet-- just sitting and visiting with Granny in the kitchen. Then, the rest of the family would start to trickle in. People would come in carrying presents and food. Except for all the little kids, everyone in that family was bigger than life-- and we all looked even bigger in that tiny apartment. Four people would sit on the bed in the living room, two on chairs, two on the stairs, two on the floor with the kids, and Granny in her chair watching it all. The moms would be in the kitchen putting out endless platters of hot food, and we’d eat and laugh and eat and joke and eat some more. The dads would razzle each other over their plates, and the cousins would talk about who didn’t make it and why. After the dinner was cleaned up, folks would startt to depart, and the joyful reunion would fade back into the usual calm of Granny’s place.