In my last post I shared my 4th of July tradition of the previous four years. This time around, I stayed in New York City and enjoyed a nice afternoon at the park with my family. We ate amazing food, enjoyed the weather and tired out the kids with games and the pool. You can tell what a great time it was from the smiles in this picture.

However, the next morning I found myself on an early flight en route to Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. I flew from Newark Liberty International Airport to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, where I had a connecting flight to my final destination of Norfolk International Airport. It was about 90 minutes from the Outer Banks. When I landed in Virginia, it was raining and gray, and I grew scared this would be the weather for the next couple of days as well.

Upon arrival, I finished a couple of work emails and joined my extended family at the beach. I was happy it was hot and sunny and the water was just lovely. We shared some cocktails and appetizers on the deck, and it was great to spend time with everyone and the pups.

On Friday, the waves were aggressive and nearly 12 feet tall; it was tiring and risky to be in the water. Then the wind started to pick up later that day, and it was rough outside.

On Saturday morning, a storm warning was issued: There was no swimming allowed and the wind was wild! We tried to go for a walk on the beach, but the wind was so strong the sand hurt your face. It was fascinating to stand there and see the power of the waves. The water was dark and foamy.

We weren’t able to enjoy the beach for three days, but the time was still well-spent. There’s nothing quite like witnessing a storm brew right in front of you.

— Yasser Ogando, sales planner