Carolina Beach Weekend (07-23-10 to 07-25-10)

The last few years we have had the privilege of spending a weekend in the summer at Largen and Tanya's family beachhouse. It is a beautiful home located at Carolina Beach which is outside of Wilmington, NC.
Saturday we headed across the street and set up camp for a day at the beach...

The group walking to cool off in the water...

Playing horseshoes...

After a day at the beach we headed back to the house. It was a beautiful walk across the marsh...

Saturday night we had a delicious meal- complete with steak and shrimp!

After dinner, we played the annual game of Catch Phrase- which always proves to be hilarious!

The boys...

Here is the entire group before we headed back home...

We had such a nice weekend due to our company and great hosts. We always have so much fun with this group of special people.

Parrish Family Reunion (07-16-10 to 07-17-10)

The Parrish clan came together again on July 16 for the annual reunion at Ed and Cyndi's house. This year was extra special because we were able to celebrate George and Joyce's 50th Wedding Anniversary! What an accomplishment- I can only dream that Adam and I will oneday be blessed to share this occasion.

Joyce wore a veil and George is holding a ball n' chain! We celebrated with cake that was complete with the actual cake topper used on their wedding day!

Marilyn Grace had to get in on the action later (I feel pretty confident this photo could be used in her engagement party slide show oneday)...

The next day we spent most of our time playing on the lake...

Adam with all the kids...

Grace and I swimming in the lake...

Carter sleeping peacefully...

Happy Charlie- doing what he does best...Smile!

Then we gathered around the table for some Beaufort Bog- which is always a favorite!

The next day we all headed home full of new memories to hold onto until the next gathering.

Dixie Williams' Wedding (07-10-10)

On July 10, Adam and I headed downtown to Dixie Williams' wedding. Adam and Dixie grew up together and I got to know her in high school and college. She is such a spirited, fun, and sweet girl and her wedding reflected her personality from the ceremony to the reception.

The Bride and Groom...

First Dance...

Steve and Taylor were there too!

It was great to catch up with Betsy and Taylor!

We celebrated by dancing the night away...

Here is the token Clemson shot!

We had such a great time celebrating this new beginning for Thad and Dixie Dulin!

Visit from Christian Ward (07-06-10)

Our friends Marshall and Tess Ward were in town from Washington, DC and we were able to meet up with them for a cookout. Their son, Christian, is getting so big!

They visited back in March and I took these photos of him playing at our house. I think he is just too cute...

The happy family...

Daddy's little cowboy...

He sure is one sweet little boy...

Alaska: Day 12 (07-05-10)

Today we packed up and headed back home. We had such an amazing trip. I think the best part is that we truly enjoy spending time together. I am so blessed to have such a loving family!

Alaska: Day 11 (07-04-10) Seattle

The next morning we woke up, put on our walking shoes, and ventured out into the city.

After some shopping, we found a great Italian restaurant for lunch called Cafe Bengodi.We decided to take an Underground Tour of Seattle. Their website describes their tour as a "leisurely, guided walking tour beneath Seattle’s sidewalks and streets. As you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, our guides regale you with the stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. The tour begins inside Doc Maynard’s Public House, a restored 1890s saloon. Following a short intro, we’ll walk through historic Pioneer Square to three different sections of Underground—about three blocks in all."

After a short rest back at the hotel we changed for dinner. I sat beside a nice woman on the plane who suggested we eat one night at the Dahlia Lounge. We made reservations and looked forward to our last night out on our trip.

We spent the evening taking turns talking about our "favorites" on the trip. My sister had a great idea to talk about all five senses- our favorite smell, taste, touch, sound, and sight.

We then headed back to the hotel to pack for our trip home the next day.

Alaska: Day 10 (07-03-10) Seattle

We got off of the ship back in Seattle and headed to the Mayflower Park Hotel to drop off our bags and head out for another busy day.

Our room...

Our hotel was very close to Pike's Place Market so we headed down there to overload our senses with what Seattle had to offer.

In the market...

If you look closely you can see him catching the thrown fish...

One of my favorite things about the market was the fresh flowers that were around every corner.

The bouquets were so large and I could not get over how affordable they were.

We walked by the original Starbucks.

I know Seattle is known for its coffee but I think they are starting them out a bit too early...

My parents raved about a restaurant called Ivars from their previous trip to Seattle so we had to go check it out. My dad swears by their clam chowder.

We ate inside but the restaurant has the option for take out.

After lunch we strolled around the city and then headed to take a Duck Tour of Seattle!

It was a great way to see a large area of the city in a short amount of time. We danced and sang songs all around Seattle.

We drove by Safeco Field where the Mariners play and also by Qwest Field where the Seattle Seahawks play.

A seaplane coming in for a water landing...

After a trip around the city we took our bus into the water. Here is another bus just like ours that we passed in the water...

Gas Works Park...

This is a ship that has been used in the Deadliest Catch show...

Houses on the water...literally.

After the tour we headed to Elliott's Oyster House for a fantastic dinner.

They had an entire menu dedicated to oysters...definately my kind of place...

I was clearly disappointed our two orders of oysters were gone...

After dinner we headed back to the hotel to rest up for the next day.