Brockwell Nuptuals

As soon as we got home from the beach, I had just enough time to do laundry, decorate for football/fall, and re-pack for Robin & Ben's wedding weekend.

I met Robin on Wednesday for a surprise massage!  I hope she was actually surprised and was able to relax, if only for an hour.  After the massage and another little trip to a particular parlor, we ate dinner at Don Jose, because no life event is complete without it

 

We made our way to WandaBear's, went to bed after midnight, and were up early to decorate for the reception.  Here are some "during" pictures of our very long-very tiring-amazingly fun day!

 

Ben's truck filled with chasers

Ben filling the boat with booze

Amy working her magic on some beautiful bows

beyond pretty

beautiful wall of pictures/windows

We went to bed late again on Thursday, for a short nap, to wake up early on Friday for manis/pedis.  After some pampering and last minute touches at the reception, we went home to enjoy Bridesmaids and a small cat-nap.

 

Robin & Pebbles



My view... love, love, love Bridesmaids!

Then [we tried] to get all dolled up and headed to the rehearsal!

love these amazing bridesmaids!

me and my main squeeze

OC reunion! xo

me and my best friend

After rehearsing and rehearsing, we sat down at a beautiful restaurant and had a fabulous meal!  Robin gave us the most amazing gifts - a monogrammed robe and fantastic jewelry (you'll see all of that soon!)  We went back to WandaBear's, chatted, giggled, and were sleepy enough to attempt to sleep.  I was sleeping soundly lightly, until I received a "i-can't-sleep-text" from the bride-to-be at approximately 5:30am.  So I crawled in bed with my best friend, we talked and watched The Wedding Date and Sweet Home Alabama until it was ready to get out of bed and get Robin to the chapel!

haha

 

Beautiful bridal luncheon

white sangria... yum!

xoxo

Robin writing a card to her future husband

getting my hair did

Going to the chapel!

The past 9 months of planning led up to the most amazing wedding.  To say Robin was stunning is an absolute understatement.  Most everything was flawless (minus a small cake snafu and Amy getting her foot stuck in a vent at the church which led to a gaping hole).  But really, it was a beautiful day, she was beautiful, he was handsome, and they are perfect for each other.  I couldn't be happier for the two of them, and am so honored to have been such a special part of their day.

 

handsome guy

me and my momma

the parental units

taking a 5-hour energy, no big deal

isn't she stunning?

 

MOH speech

the next brockwell wedding!

As soon as I got home the next day, I completely crashed.

 

My feet were blistered up - a sign of a good time!

 Next up: Brockwell BABIES!

Duck Dreams

Sorry it’s been a while, we’ve been super busy with lots happening in our lives in the past month (lots of updates to come!).  First, we started off the end of summer with our much-anticipated beach trip to Duck, NC (August 31-September 7).  We went with my family and had an awesome time. 

The trip down was quick and easy, even with an 18-month old in tow.  There was time for some photo ops:


and I made sure to take advantage of having Abby in one place and taught her one of the most important things in life...

Let's Go.... "Go-Geeeees"

Our house was fabulous – plenty of room yet cozy, lots of charm, pool table, hot tub, pool, and right on the Atlantic. We arrived on GAME DAY – the season opener of the Hokies, who were unfortunately defeated by Bama, but it is Hokie football nonetheless :)

We woke up [unfortunately... thanks, body, for being in a routine] very early each day.  We would start each morning with a tea party

 

Tea with Abby

We spent lots of time relaxing with our toes in the sand

 

Abby playing in the sand

 

building sand castles with Grandma

Look at my seashell!



our set-up on the ocean... six big chairs and an Abby-sized chair

my cute husband soaking up some sun

hanging out with  Momma

Beachin' it with Aunt Kim & Uncle Daniel

 

"...you've got your wayfarers on and on the sun in your hair..."

After the sun faded away, we would cook dinner & spend lots of time outside on the deck or lounging in the family room.

this girl loves water bottles

boogy-woogy-ing

hanging out with my girl, magna-doodling

And all of those wrapped up our first full day on vacation. Here's the rest of our trip in photos...

Monday, 9/2 - Happy Labor Day!

hanging out next to the "pool!  pool!"

pre-power hour(s) floatin' and readin'

power hour: pool style.  oh, and times two :)

Labor Day Shrimp Boil

Good food, good family, good memories

 Tuesday, 9/3

another early-morning tea party session

hanging with the 'rents

a little lunch-time deck sittin' with my main squeeze

serious ball-playing competition

xoxo



Porch sittin' with my momma, watching the storm

good times with grandma

my girl

 

night swimmin'

 Wednesday, 9/4

enjoying a late lunch after a day of shopping (and the boys fished)

 Thursday, 9/5

Never have I seen the Atlantic Ocean so pretty & clear

paddle-ballin'

the game got FIERCE

we rule paddleball

sleeping hard with lots of toys and the seashells I collected!

getting all dolled up for dinner

 Friday, 9/6

So proud of myself to wake up and workout 3 mornings while on vacation.  This was my "gym".  PS, the water was BEYOND rough that day!  No swimming signs posted, boo!

my post-workout cuddle sesh

fun in the pool with Aunt Kim

relaxing in the hot tub on a chilly/windy day

Love our drink-floats

"are you seriously doing this to me right now??"

VA diner, part 2

will definitely miss this view out of our beautiful room!

We had such an excellent time!  Abby learned lots of words while at the beach including, but not limited to: pool, papa (my dad has an official name!), bird, baby, quack-quack, Hokies, etc.  She refused to say Aunt Kim and Uncle Daniel... I think she was doing it out of spite.  That's alright, she's cuter than a button regardless.  I loved reading, spending quality time with my family making lots of memories, soaking up the sun (with excessive amounts of sunscreen), and the mental break.  Normally, the end of vacation is bitter-sweet, but the blow was lessened because I was going home to prepare for my BEST FRIEND'S wedding!