OBX 2011

Another BIG excitement and perk of being back over summer break was taking a wonderful vacation to the Outer Banks.  For those of you who don't know, the Outer Banks (also known as OBX) is a 200-mile (320-km) long string of narrow barrier islands off the coast of North Carolina, beginning in the southeastern corner of Virginia Beach on the east coast of the United States.  They cover approximately half the northern North Carolina coastline, separating the Currituck Sound, Albemarle Sound, and Pamlico Sound from the Atlantic Ocean.

I am proud to say that I actually know someone who lives on the Outer Banks.  My mom's oldest sister, Linda has lived in Corolla, North Carolina for years and years now.  This was my third time to visit and it was long over due (which may even be an understatement).  I had forgotten how much I love the beach!  The ocean, beach and I had some serious catching up to do.  It was also a great opportunity to see a lot of family.  Of course with the technology that we have this day in age, it makes keeping in touch much easier.  However, there is nothing like spending some quality time with those you love!   

Here is a glimpse of our week in the OBX...

Enjoying delicious Indian food in North Potomac, Maryland with Uncle Billy, Aunt Janet, Trina, Alex, Mike, Leigh and Mom.

Trina and I enjoying a night out on the town with Mike before heading to the OBX.

First afternoon at the beach.  Ryan and Alex buried me into the sand.  So good to be back at the beach!

Grandma Betty and Uncle Billy enjoying the lovely ocean water.

Mom, Uncle Billy, Grandma and Aunt Janet at the beach.  It was so great to have my aunt and uncle join us for a few days!

What a great way to spend time with family!

What would I do without this kid?!?!  What a brother!  I believe that bowl is for the crabs!

Ryan and Billy playing around.

Trina was getting lessons from Aunt Janet on how to eat a crab.  I stuck to the shrimp!

We got to help Kim celebrate her birthday.  Brendan was really ready for that yummy cake!

Happy 4th of July!  It started to rain though, so no fireworks this year!

Mom and I out on the dock.

Trina, Mom and I hanging out on the beach for another day!

Alex showing us how it's done on the buggy board.

Playing in the sand.

Trina, Katie, Aunt Linda, Grandma and Mom...that's a lot of bathing beauties! ;)

It was so wonderful to have a best friend with me on the trip.

Always lots of crabs on the beach...

It was so wonderful to see my cousin Erin and her husband Chris and their little Liam!

Currituck Beach Lighthouse.

A view of Currituck Sound from the top of the lighthouse.

 A view from one of the windows as we climbed up the stairs.

Another view of the sound and the Whalehead Club Historic House.

The 4 amigos at the top of the lighthouse.  What a great vacation!

We had lots of dancing stars at the big seafood dinner!

Trina gave us a nice view of the ocean!

Bachelorette Shenanigans

As I have previously mentioned, one of my best friend's wedding was last weekend.  However, before getting to Trina and Tom's wedding, I wanted to show off some of our bachelorette shenanigans.  I think all of us who attended would most certainly agree that it was a very fun filled day and night! 

We started off the day enjoying some time near Fremont Lake with Ann Durham and Matthew.   What a view!

Mari, Trina and Nikki at dinner.

Kayla, Bethany and I at dinner.

All of the girls plus a run in from an old high school friend! 

Mari and I enjoying a delicious, late night, Chicago dog down in Grand Rapids!  :)

The bride and I out on the town!

It has been so wonderful to be home for a visit and to be able to spend time with my wonderful friends!  There is no one in the world that can take the place of these girls!

Bridal Showers Galore

Since I have been able to spend the entire summer in Michigan this year, I have been lucky enough to be able to share in quite a few different events pertaining to my best friend's wedding.  My best friend, Trina Melville will be getting married this weekend.  However, before those festivities begin, I wanted to share a few moments from her two bridal showers that I was lucky enough to attend and help out with! 

Bridal Shower #1:  July 17, 2011

Mari's house, Zeeland, MI

Trina's twin sister put on a shower for her with all of her friends from OT school.  This is a picture of everyone who attended.

Just Trina and her OT friends.

Trina and her friend Charleigh.  Charleigh actually just got married a few weeks ago as well.  The little cutie is Charleigh's daughter Ayla.

Mari, Katie and Trina!  My two best friends in this whole world.  I REALLY don't know what I would do without them.  I am so thankful and blessed to have met them in 2nd grade!

Bridal Shower #2:  July 24, 2011

The Durham's house, Fremont, MI

All the yummy snacks and pretty flowers.

The sun was shining so nicely on the flowers.

The hostesses and the bride (Mrs. Durham, Ann, Trina, Katie, Mary).

Can you even imagine how amazing she is going to look on her wedding day?

My mom, Mrs. Henry and Grandma Houston.

Playing a game.

Old friends:  Mari, Katie, Trina, Ann and Bethany!

As a side note, Mari celebrated her two year anniversary on July 24th as well.  I was lucky enough to make it home to be in her wedding.  However, I was still bound by Peace Corps during that time and could not make it to her bridal showers and what not!  Happy Anniversary Mari and Josh!  

July 24, 2009:  Katie, Ann, Trina, Mari, Kristen, Bethany, Ally.

 

Money Dresses

I was so excited to come home for a visit this summer just so I could give Megan and Kaitlyn a little surprise.  In Doha, a few teachers had talked about these very cute belly dancing outfits for children.  As soon as I heard that, I thought it would be a perfect idea for my cousin's two little girls.

As soon as they put them on, they realized that the outfits had little coins all over them.  Their names quickly changed to money dresses.  Rumor has it that their mom, Colleen has been vacuuming up money and beads ever since!  Again,  I have to give credit to Kathleen for the very cute pictures...

Megan and Kaitlyn in the money dresses...
Also, Happy birthday to Megan!  She turned 5 today!

Is she not the cutest?!?!

Playing outside with the money dresses.

Shake it, shake it...

Makenna Elizabeth

Welcome Makenna Elizabeth! 

Another great aspect of summer is being able to visit family.  I was lucky enough to be able to meet my dear cousin Colleen's newest addition to her ever so beautiful family.  Makenna Elizabeth was born on June 25, 2011 weighing in at 8 pounds and 14 ounces and she was 20 inches long.  She has two big sisters that are a great help and so excited to have a new baby sister!

Shawn, Colleen, Megan, Kaitlyn and Makenna!

Katie and Makenna!  What a lucky girl I am!

 I have always looked up to my older cousin Colleen!  Growing up, my family spent a lot of time with my aunt's family and we have many great memories.  Not having any sisters, Colleen and her sisters are the closest thing I have!  Congratulations to the Carrie family!  

*Disclaimer:  I did some stealing of pictures from my other cousin, Ms. Kathleen Buchanan!