Outer Banks Family Portraits | Nags Head Family Photographer | The Pasquarell Family

Is it too soon to want to go back to the beach yet? Every time I look at pictures from our vacation this year, I can't help but get excited for the possibility of going next year. Yes, I'm a little sad that my big vacation of the year is passed, but I have nothing besides good memories to look back on - and lots of pictures!

I mentioned in my post about our vacation that we took aside a night for updated family pictures. For the most part I didn't work during the week, but it's too important that my family has great, updated portraits - especially since both my sister and sister-in-law are expecting little ones within the next few months!

In some ways, it is a difficult thing to take pictures of my family. I know them each so well, and any picture that doesn't capture their personality screams at me. At the same time, though, looking back on their pictures gives me such joy. I love each one of these people so much - they are truly some of the most important people in my life. So, without further ado, our crazy, right-before-a-storm, we-have-one-hour-to-finish-these family portraits!

We're so excited to meet my nephew next month...clearly, Grace has been the cutest thing around for awhile, so I can only imagine what he will be like ;)

It blows me away that this is my LITTLE sister...she's always been beautiful, but when did she grow up so much?!

Mom and Dad, married for 30 years and still so happy together.

My older sister and her husband are beyond excited to welcome a little girl this fall.

I just love these of my aunt and uncle! Their outfits were my favorite.

We got a few pictures, thanks to my mother-in-law who manned the camera for us :)

...and here's the two big groups, my wonderful siblings and then everyone in my immediate family!

Outer Banks Family Beach Vacation | Spending Time Away

May and June were two of the busiest months I can remember. I had weddings nearly every weekend, with plenty of engagement sessions and family sessions in between. I survived by buckling down and ONLY focusing on work. Nathan cooked (and often cleaned) and I did the bare minimum as far as housework and errands in between the moments where I was at my computer.

Although it doesn't sound like it, I actually really enjoyed these two months. But when vacation finally came, I was more than ready. As much as I love work, it felt amazing to step away for that long and just not worry about everything that had to get done. We spent the whole week with my siblings, parents, aunt and uncle, and Nathan's parents in Nags Head at a beach house. Yes, we all stayed in one house together and yes, we all managed to get along and still love each other by the end!

The first few days were almost solely beach days. We soaked up the sun, I plowed through my latest book (Brain on Fire - I highly recommend it!), and we all did pretty much nothing. The rest of the week it looked like it would rain, so we planned other activities. Wednesday we took a trip to the Wright Brothers Memorial, which was fun mostly because Nathan's dad knew SO much more than the displays presented.

I am not a huge fan of shopping, but I did enjoy visiting a couple local places - and of course I had to find a new mug for my growing collection (thanks, Cotton Gin!). One day we spent the morning walking around Downtown Manteo on Roanoke Island. They have the best local shops and restaurants!

Thursday night was time to update everyone's family portraits (you'll see those soon!), and Friday we set up a bonfire on the beach complete with bocce ball and s'mores. In between all the beaching and traveling, we managed to visit some amazing restaurants, spend tons of time together as a family, and see as much of the Outer Banks as possible.

After a week away and a quick trip by The Christmas Mouse and Morris Farm Market (for fresh peaches), Nathan and I got back home feeling relaxed, refreshed, and so grateful we were able to spend the time with our families. Now...time to tackle the rest of the summer! (Scroll all the way down to see our restaurant reviews & recommendations)

You've never seen a game of bocce ball THIS intense!

Since food is always a big deal for us when we travel, we were able to visit a ton of restaurants and coffee shops! If you're interested in traveling to the Outer Banks, specifically Nags Head, here are some quick and honest reviews of a few places we visited.
Jolly Roger - great breakfast, especially if you're on a budget!
Front Porch Café - fantastic coffee & drinks, but NOT a good place for breakfast. Portions are way too small.
Café Lachine - good coffee, really bad customer service (I wish I could say differently!)
Outer Banks Brewing Station - the burgers were tasty, but the service was extremely slow
Miller's Waterfront Restaurant - I got a salad, and it was delicious. Other people liked the crab and oysters. Overall, I'd go back!
Taiko Japanese Restaurant - incredible sushi, and the presentation was on point
The Coffee House on Roanoke Island - this is the only restaurant in downtown Manteo, so there's not much competition! But I did really enjoy their iced coffee.
Morning View Coffee House - best coffee I had all week. I recommend their iced coffee! 
Full Moon Café - I didn't love the tuna sashimi, but the chicken quesadilla was pretty good. I would probably find somewhere else to eat if I went to Manteo again.
Kill Devil's Frozen Custard and Beach Fries - highlight of the week! Their custard and whipped cream is homemade, and absolutely delicious. My sister-in-law loved their fries with malt vinegar.