Ocracoke Island

After Joni's wedding we drove 10 hours to board a 2 1/2 hour ferry to Ocracoke Island, my mom's dream-come-true destination wedding spot. Everyone thought she was crazy to dream up an idea like this: a week at the beach with both Larry's and her families and a few of her closest friends (making it about 50 people), dinners together every night, and a simple elegant wedding, on this not-so-easy to get to island. I have to give her credit, the week was a blast.

Audrey and Eric's first ferry ride- who is having more fun?

Beach time!

Audrey and Kami

Mr. Grump Chubs and I at the beach.

Beach volleyball 'til sunset.

Our little cottage with the cool wood spiral staircase-

I was just glad Elliott was not walking yet

and Audrey is plenty confident with stairs now.

Once again, more make-shift beds.

The Big House- the late-night party and wedding house.

Lots of gaming of all kinds went on

until the wee hours of the night.

Audrey at the Pony Pen

Waiting for a ferry on the flooded island.

Stay tuned for next time when I post the wedding pics...

"Aunt Lanta"

Sunday we got back from our double wedding, Audrey-flower-girl vacation. The first wedding was my cousin Joni's wedding an hour and a half outside of Atlanta. I guess Audrey has had lots of Aunties visiting her lately, so she called it "Aunt Lanta." Next we headed for a week to the lowest part of the Outer Banks, Ocracoke Island for my mom's wedding. We had so much happen that I am going to try and cover everything in a few posts.

My sister, Rahime came the week before we left to help with wedding preparations, Audrey's birthday and to drive to Georgia with me. (Eric needed to work, so he flew down). Thanks Rahime, for ALL your help and patience, especially on the road trip!

Audrey enjoyed the mini rockers at Cracker Barrel,

our favorite place to eat while on the road.

You really know you're in the country when the mail car is a Jeep Cherokee.

My kids endured some make-shift beds in our hotel rooms.

It was straight into my Mom's arms for Elliott when we arrived.

Friday, before the wedding, the ladies ,including Audrey, were

invited to the Bridesmaid Luncheon at the Georgia Club.

The bride, Joni, and her bridesmaids.

Audrey with Joni

She was a perfect lady until the ice cream came out.

Three sisters happy to be together again.

After the luncheon, my Dad, Arlene and Grandpa Deans arrived.

They were all excited to meet Elliott for the first time.

I was a little anxious to see how Audrey would do at the rehearsal.

I learned quickly that she was ecstatic with her new role.

Getting ready for the big day.

Our Family

The Girls

The Boys

Audrey working the camera

She did great going down the aisle, which I don't have pictures of yet.

There were a lot of oohs and aahs walking down the aisle.

She stalled at the end of the aisle because she ran out of flowers;

Eric got her attention and she ran into his arms.

Later, she said that she was married to daddy,

I think he completely agrees.

After the ceremony during picture time, Audrey went back up the aisle

and collected all her petals, she said, "I want to do that again!"

Flower girl time out for running and hiding in the pews.

Audrey worked the dance floor, dancing in front of

the blue grass band for about 45 minutes.

My mom and sisters with Audrey and I

Audrey's 3rd Birthday!

We had a wonderful busy 4th of July celebrating Audrey's birthday. We cannot believe how fast the last three years have gone. We started the day with breakfast in bed for Audrey. She enjoyed her party with lots of friends, presents, and cake- who could ask for more?!