As promised...

As Paul Harvey would say "Now ...the rest of the story.

We had a wonderful time at the wedding and all the pre-wedding activities. I took Blake and Wayne, left early Thursday morning, and headed to Carolina Beach, NC. We had a really nice trip down, it's about 7 hours. We laughed and talked and just spent some really good time together. We have also discovered a new channel on Sirrius radio "AC/DC radio". I know, I know but I am a rock lover at heart. The kids really like them too, so if the radio was on that is what we were listening and singing to at the top of our lungs. I met Steven in Wilmington and he took the boys with him out to the house where he was getting married. He wanted to spend some time with them. This is where they were headed.

And this is the view as you come across the bridge onto Topsail Island.

I headed to Mom's for some shopping and fun time with her. We hit a local shop and bought a dress for the wedding. I didn't have anything to wear to a beach wedding and of course here in Virginia all they have are winter clothes in the stores. This is what we found.

No, not Rusty he flew in Saturday morning for the wedding. The dress, I love that dress. We walked into the first store and there it was, like it was put there for me. Ashleigh referred to the store as "the old ladies store" but I am not old and I refuse to get old. Back to Rusty flying. Rusty has NEVER flown before, ever. He was petrified, he knew he was going to die. He didn't come down with us on Thursday because he brother was retiring from the police department after 28 years and Rusty really didn't want to miss his retirement party, of course it was being held Friday evening. So he flew out of BWI, went to Charlotte, and then flew into Wilmington. He did great, I was so proud. ha ha ha By the way Rusty "I told you so!" So anyway, Thursday night Mom and I went to a get together for Denise. It wasn't really a "bachelorette" party but a bunch of friends getting together and having a good time. We all met at a Greek restuarant in Wilmington called Mediterra. Now, neither my Mom or I are very fond of Greek food, but it was a wonderful restuarant. We were on the second floor in a room in the "Hookah Bar". We had Tiropita and Escargots. I love escargots and it was the first time I had ever had Tiropita. It was to die for. For those of you who like me didn't even know what that was until that evening it is phyllo dough stuffed with greek cheese. MMMMMM, so good.

There was about 17 people there and we all went around the room talking about how we met Denise or telling "Denise" stories. It really was a good time and a really nice way to get to know the people you would be spending time with over the next couple days.

Ashleigh didn't make it to this party she was working and then went with friends to " City Limits Saloon" down the street. She went with hopes of meeting 3 of the people from The Real World reality show on Mtv. I think it was Paula, Kenny and Evan, maybe, not quite sure, I've never seen it. She did get to meet them and was so excited. She had pictures of herself with them. I will post them if I can get her to send them to me.

Friday we got up and got pedicures and manicures and then began the day of running. We finally made it out to the beach house for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. It was all very casual and informal and everyone had a good time. The food was wonderful, fried chicken, bar-b-qued chicken, North Carolina pulled pork, green bean, corn on the cob, cole slaw, rolls and banana pudding. How could you go wrong with a menu like that?

My Mom is squished in the middle between my Dad and Blake. This was the view from Steven's balcony at the house. It was 4 stories and the top floor was 2 master suites with a connecting balcony.

I really have extraordinary children. The lady in the picture with Blake is Dale. She and her husband have been friends with our family for as long as I can remember. She has had MS for over 20 years and has been in a wheelchair for a long time. They came down for Steven and Denise's wedding. Alot of children are uncomfortable around people who may be different, but not my kids. Blake marched right over to talk to her. He had found a bunch of sharks teeth on the beach and he asked her if she wanted to see them. Then he stood there and talked to her for quite a while. I was so proud of him.

Finally, I will leave you with the view of the sunset from Steven's balcony. I love the beach.

To be continued.....

Alive and Kicking

We are still here and breathing. It has been too long since I last blogged and there is so much to write about. We went to my parents in July for my Dad's birthday and had a great time. My Dad turned 61 and he is still so young looking. I made him an ice-cream cake and Steven cooked dinner. Sounded like a great trade off to me, well I did make bar-b-que baked beans also but I didn't have to stand outside in the heat at the grill.

After we ate, had presents and just lazed around doing nothing we got into their new pool. No one is able to behave themselves in the pool and you are not safe no matter where you are in there. Mom bought a bunch of water guns and you better we careful because that innocent looking float headed our way just might have someone lurking behind it just waiting to shoot you.

Everyone had a great time and Dad really enjoyed his birthday. After all how could he not have a wonderful time, his favorite child was there, me. The next evening we headed down to the boardwalk for, of course, Britt's donuts. We walked out onto the beach to eat them and just enjoy all being together.

No, that's not one of us, I just thought it was a cute picture. I love to watch the birds chase up and down the beach.

It's this a beautiful picture? Yes, I did take it, it has not been photo shopped those are the actual colors of the sunset. Wayne was the one who pointed it out and asked me to take the picture. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day. We always have such a great time when we go see my family.

I have alot more pictures to post from the 4th of July party and other things that have been going on. Somehow when I transferred my pictures I transferred them some where other than what I am used to and it has been horrible trying to retrieve them. I am trying to get used to the new computer. I will try to post some more tomorrow.
Good night.

Prom dresses, AAARRGGGGG

You would think that it wouldn't be this hard to find a prom dress. Last year we walked in and Ashleigh knew which dress she wanted right away. It was so easy. This year, oh my God!!!! We spent quite a while today in the mall looking for the "perfect, dream dress". I don't think it exsists, I don't think the dress is out there. She wants a strapless, backless dress. If you've ever seen my daughter then you know this dress just will not work for her. She doesn't wear a B bra size, she is very well endowed on the top. Every dress she tried on today wasn't the right one. I was to the point of picking out the dress for her. We will try a couple more stores tomorrow. I don't want her to settle for a dress, I do want her to find her "dream dress" but I'm not sure she's not being too picky. I don't know if she will be able to find that dress she's looking for, keep your fingers crossed.
We went out to Steven's house today. This was the first time I had seen it. I love it, it is really nice and he has such a nice yard. It has 2 1/2 acres and backs up to a body of water that runs into the river. We came home, had dinner and then walked up to the board walk for Britt's Donuts. You can keep Krispy Kreme and any other donuts out there, they can not hold a candle to Britt's. It is a family owned business that has been there since 1932. My Mom grew up eating them, I grew up eating them and my kids are growing up eating them. When you buy them they give them to you in a white paper bag. The donuts are very hot, they make them while you wait so they are always hot. Then you eat them walking on the beach and boardwalk. There is nothing like it. If you ever get to Carolina Beach you have to hit Britt's.
Good night and Happy Easter.

Traveling

We are at my Mom and Dad's house in Carolina Beach, N.C., we came here for Easter. I was really excited about seeing my everyone and we will get to meet my Pawpaw's girlfriend. Well, actually she's not his girlfriend, she's his fiance, they are getting married in June. They were originally planning on getting June 9th but Ashleigh's graduation is the 8th so they moved it to the next weekend. I can't believe my Pawpaw is getting remarried. My Mom said that Margie is really nice and that she is very funny. She makes my Pawpaw really happy. My aunt isn't happy about his getting married, she said it hasn't even been a year since Mawmaw passed away. It will be a year in July and it has been fast but he will be 81 next month and why wait? I am happy for him, and if him getting married means I get to keep him around longer than I am all for it. We got in around 12:30 this morning and Mom was waiting up for us. My Dad had to work today so he was in bed but he did hear us come in, with there being 5 of us we are not always the quietest, he came down to give hugs and love and then went back to bed. We sat up and talked to Mom until around 2 and then we all headed to bed. Steven worked last night and then he came by around 6 this morning to pick up Wayne for a day of computer games, video games and food. They did alot of things together before Steven moved and this is the first time they have been able to get together. We are going to head to the mall today, Ashleigh wants to
see if she can find a prom dress here, she is hoping to find one different from any of them at home.
I will be back later. Have a great day!