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.....