Post Wedding Week and a Return to the West Coast

The week after a big event is always a little strange.  In our case, it was a lot of fun!  Mom had taken Monday off work so we all spent the day together.  Around noon I took the marriage license to the newlyweds and retrieved Lauren's dress.  Since today was our wedding anniversary, George and I decided to walk around The Cotton Exchange for a while and grab lunch.  Well, right after we said goodbye to Lauren and Michael, I get a call from her, "Becca, I need you to come to the register of deeds office and sign this thing".  Yep, I totally missed one signature line and nope, they were totally NOT married until right then- technically speaking.  Well, in the eyes of God they were but in the eyes of North Carolina….not so much.  We got it all squared away and then returned home to hang out with the parents.  That night we celebrated our seven year anniversary.  We went to Carolina Beach to the Tiki Bar and Ocean Grill.  Its one of our favorite spots- low key, great view of the ocean, fresh seafood and a laid back atmosphere.  We downed some fried calamari and blackened Mahi Tacos and then took a walk on the beach at dusk.  We could not return home from CB without Britt's Donuts so we ate our's on the boardwalk and then brought some to mom and dad.

Is it just me, or does he get more and more handsome every year?

 We thought we'd return to a sleeping house but everyone- Gram'ma, Georgie, Nana and Papa-was in the living room, and they had our wedding video on the television.  It was nice that after all the wedding festivities that led up to Lauren's wedding that they still wanted to watch another bride and groom celebrate marriage.  It was cute to see little George as he wondered where he was in all the videos.  We all eventually got to bed.  The next morning PaPa and big George went fishing.  They left before the sun woke up and I continued to sleep until a little three year old kiss hit my cheek at 9:45 am.  I could NOT believe it.  I have not slept that late since high school- and NEVER has Georgie slept that late!  So much activity over the weekend finally caught up with us I guess.  When the boys returned and mom got off work, we all went to Wrightsville Beach for the afternoon.  The Boons met us on the beach and we re-hashed the wedding weekend again.  It was so good to be on the other side of the planning. 

Georgie's new favorite sport:lifeguard-stand-jumping

 After the sun set we returned to eat the fish the boys had caught that morning.  There's nothing better than fresh fish- caught that day.  We threw some in the grease, of course, and grilled some too.  With full bellies we fell into bed once again.  Wednesday, Dad let George be the captain of his boat for the first time.  Me and the Georges spent the afternoon on the boat and ended up on Masonboro Island.  

Start 'em early

We returned to find another scrumptious meal prepared for us by my mom and dad.  I knew at that point it would be hard to return to California where we don't eat unless I fix it.  Thursday we packed up and headed to Raleigh to get ready for our flight Friday morning.  We had some time to kill Thursday afternoon so went to see "How to Train your Dragon-2" with Georgie.  Then we were treated once more to a dinner out with Grammy and G-daddy.  The next morning we made it to RDU in perfect timing.  An uneventful flight and six hours later we found ourselves in a familiar car, on a familiar freeway, just the three of us.  Since we arrived early in the morning California time, we had the whole day ahead of us.  I unpacked and did laundry and we all took naps.  That night George had to go to a work dinner meeting so Georgie and I hung back and had a low key dinner.  Saturday we had no plans so went to the Cannon's pool for the afternoon.  They joined us for a little while and it was great to see friends again.  That night we made a ham and pineapple pizza and watched "In Search of the Castaways".  Pizza- Movie night lives on!  Sunday we went to church (for me this was the first time in a month) and then spent the afternoon at Redondo Beach.  It was great fun until I got stung by a bee.  I forgot how awful that is! I think the last time I was stung by a bee was when I was Georgie's age.  On our car ride home George and I discussed dinner plans and little George piped up, "Hey- I have an idea!  Me and Daddy can go to Hi-Life Bugger and mommy can stay home".  That was all it took.  The boys got burgers and I happily stayed home and had a few moments to myself.  I would say George's vacation week went well.  Monday he went to work and I returned to work too.  Monday afternoon I was so exhausted from playing all day you would have thought I was the hand surgery fellow.  We had lasagne for dinner and put George down after our first "normal" day in quite a while.  Even though I cleaned all day, it was good to be home and back in our routine.  I am so thankful for "normal- routine" days.

Tuesday and my foot was still swollen, red and itchy from the bee sting.  I hope this goes away soon!  A swollen foot makes it hard to run after energetic little boys.  Zoe came over today and spent the day with us.  Georgie was so happy to see his friend and they did not even have one argument.  Thats quite a feat for two three year olds- no matter how good of friends they are!  Poor thing played so hard he fell asleep beside me at 5:00pm as I finished this post.  I guess his napping days are not quite over.  Just when you have given up, these younguns surprise you!  Wednesday we went to the dollar movie at a near-by cinema.  Despicable Me -2 was super cute.  It was so close, we walked.  George napped (again!) that afternoon.  Wednesday afternoon we were re-united with our friends Cole and Lena.    And later that evening, another quick reunion with Paloma Baz and Hugo.  George was so happy to see his friends and I think I was just as happy to see mine.  Thursday we walked to one of our favorite parks and met another friend there.  George got home early and we all walked to the farmers market together.  We shared some good food and then headed back home.  Today is Friday.  I officially have three weeks left here in California.  If they all go as fast as this past week, I had better hold on cause we are in for a roller coaster ride.

The Big Day

The day had come for little Lauren to be wed. A Sunday afternoon wedding,  much to accomplish, emotions ran high, hustle and bustle and lots of folks around the house, we still have to eat! church, Father's day….somehow- we fit it all in!

The events of the day I will cover but not the emotions.  I will get to that but it will take me a while to process what it really means for my sister to be a married woman.  George, George and I  awoke to an empty house.  Everyone else made it to church.  I guess we were all still on California time because we totally missed out.  I went to Port City Java and got a big jug of coffee for everyone.  When they got home, I gave my sweet daddy his father's day gift and my husband his cards from Georgie.  The poor dads got about fifteen minutes of fame on this particular Father's Day.  We'll make it up to you next year, guys.  After that, we began to prepare the bride.  Charissa was the hair magician and the rest of us advised on how much and what color eyeliner, what undergarments (sorry guys, its part of it!), honeymoon packing, etc.  Around 2:00pm the photographer arrived.  Around 2:30 there was an emergency at the church (Be advised: an "emergency" on a wedding day most always has to do with a color issue, missing flower petals or placement of toile).  Mom and I went in curlers and solved the problem only to get a call from Lauren to say, "Please come back, its time to put my dress on!".  At 3:00 we were all dressed and began to take pictures on my parent's front porch.  We arrived at the church at 4:00 and anxiously awaited the 5:00 hour.  We re-curled hair, re-applied lip gloss, helped Lauren to the restroom, nibbled granola bars, and at the last moment- we prayed.  It was a really special moment.  That's all I will say. I told you- no emotions until I have a chance to process all of this.  The sanctuary was beautiful, the ceremony was sacred and special, the flower girl was perfect and my little ring bearer George did the best any three year old boy could do.  After about twenty minutes of whispering in my ear, handing the ring pillow to the bride, and slumping on the stairs he said to me, "I want to go sit with Wibif (Elizabeth, his cousin).  I knew there was nothing more to do for me than to walk him down the aisle to the pew where Grammy and company sat.  Good thing I had seen them on the way in.  Once he was with his cousin, all was well.  The reception was wonderful but went by WAY to fast.  It literally felt like fifteen minutes.  I got through my wedding toast without crying- a major accomplishment- and luckily found my seat in time for a quick bite of cake (made especially for Lauren by my Aunt Patti.  It was delicious and looked gorgeous, but no one was surprised, she is a magician with some butter and sugar!) We danced to about two songs before it was time to go.  I am sure there was more to it, but it sure felt short.  Everything was beautiful though and everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.  I was able to meet my new nephew for the first time and that was super special.  I saw old friends from Rocky Mount and Camp Don Lee and got to reunite with family once again.  Lauren and Michael got one of the best sendoffs I have ever experienced.  My Uncle has an old blue truck.  He placed two rocking chairs in the bed of the truck and had all kinds of props for the Bride and Groom to wear.  There was shaving cream and silly string- the works.  We all sang the theme song from The Beverly Hillbilly's right there in the Country Club parking lot.  They were escorted out with a couple of backfires and lots of laughs.  All of a sudden I found myself in an empty room except for my mom and dad and Georgie, Aunt Stef, Uncle Phil and my cousin Hannah.  It was over, just like that. We cleaned up, packed the truck and left.  Well, there was ONE problem- the keys to the car with the carseat were no where to be found.  At least the door was not locked so we got the carseat out and put it in Aunt Stef's car.  We all made it home around midnight and sat in the den and talked about the events of the night.  What a special time.  Lauren was off with her groom and all felt right.  Congrats my little sister, you did it!  Now they are somewhere in Europe honeymooning.  I sure hope he brings her back!

The ring bearer doing one of the many things he and his Aunt Lauren have in common: tree climbing!

This series of the flower girl and ring bearer opening their gifts was too cute!

Marty- my beautiful and talented Grandmother played while the guests arrived at the Club

The man and woman of the hour.  Gorgeous!

My handsome Daddy and beautiful Aunt

The Bruton Originals - somebody tell me I don't have Greek genes...

My amazing and crazy family. So many hearts

I have never seen my dad make that face.  I think the photographer was Harrison, and he probably said something worth making that face.

My gorgeous Mama, Gra'ma and Aunt Patti (the cake magician) 

The send off…priceless!

Wedding Central

Monday two weeks before the wedding was spent with Lauren, Dad and Georgie.  Mom had to work.  I cannot really remember, but I do not think we accomplished much that day except for some relaxation by the pool.  That night we had pot roast and grilled veggies with cherry pie for dessert.

Tuesday we ran and spent the morning on the beach.  That afternoon I am still not sure what we accomplished and quite honestly I have no idea what we did between Tuesday and Friday but it must have been busy because I did not journal one word.  I know we ate a lot of good food, spent a lot of time in the pool and prepared for Lauren's bachelorette weekend.

Georgie and the Bride to be

cookie face

We did some goofing around too.

Friday we set off to one of Lauren's best friends' parent's beach house for the weekend.  This particular family has become so special to Lauren and to my parents and most recently to me.  It was such a treat to use their house for the weekend.  It was pure heaven to be at the beach with only one responsibility- to have FUN!  Friday night we stayed in and ate amazing lasagne as the girls trickled in from near and far.  We spent Saturday at the beach and stayed until 6:30 pm.  After a cocktail we got dressed up and went to BlueWater, a restaurant on the water.  We came back to a lively lingerie shower.  I think Lauren enjoyed herself, which was, of course,  the main idea so I count it as a success.  Sunday we had a brunch with the Mamas who brought us donuts, quiche, and muffins.  Some of the girls returned home for the work week and others stuck around for a few more beach hours.  Lauren and I straightened up a bit and then packed all our stuff to leave the beach.  Before this trip, I had talked myself into the fact that I could, in fact, live without a beach house.  After this weekend, however, it is confirmed that I cannot, in fact, live without a beach house.  I may be 90 years old, but I hope to one day have the luxury of waking up to the sound of the waves and then sitting on my porch to soak in those last few rays of sun instead of packing up to leave.  

The ladies out to dinner

Bride to be!

George on a paddle board

He looks at home on a beach house porch,no?

The next week was sort of a blur.  Lauren's fiancé came to stay with us and accomplish wedding details that had to wait until the week before the big day.  Lauren's good friend also stayed with us that week to help pull off the wedding.  Lets just say it was "Wedding Central" for a week straight.  We learned a lot about gluten free preparation of food, how to share bathrooms, how three year olds like to be naked-which I of course knew but it was an adjustment for just about everyone else- but how much laundry they create.  Its weird when you think about it…how can a child who wears almost nothing create so much darn laundry?!

This is" colorisilla"  aka Charissa.  She is Lauren's friend who George took a liking to in a big way.  We seriously could not have done everything this week with out her help.   

Friday night things got real! We had a backyard cookout for family and friends who were in town for the big day.  I got to see my cousins and their kiddos and aunts and uncles that I had missed so terribly throughout the year.  I also got to meet Lauren's fiancé's family.  They were such lovely people.  We had hotdogs and hamburgers and the kids splashed in the pool.  It went by way too fast but we had so much to look forward to that it didn't even matter.  Goodbyes that night were easy because we would see everyone a few more times throughout the weekend.

Harrison, Micah, Jonah.  Jonah is not impressed with Uncle Harrison's antics

I wonder if this was before or after Uncle H taught George to say "Hashtag Crushing it" or "Whats up Ladies??"

Saturday we woke up and began to get ready for the bridesmaid's luncheon.  I was almost ready when I heard my son say, "DADDY!!!!".  I had missed my husband SO much that I almost ran out of the house half dressed.  True Story.  Boy, was he a sight for sore eyes! We hardly had time to say our hello's before it was time to head off to the kickoff of the weekend, the luncheon hosted by my sweet Aunts and cousins.  I always love the bridesmaid's luncheon for the simple fact that so many women get to celebrate in just the way women like to- lots of fuss, good food, tears of joy and tears born from excessive laughter.  In times like this, being a women is quite fun.  My aunts did a beautiful job, as always, with the decorations and the ambiance.  We shared a few casual words with Lauren- mostly in the form of short funny quips of advice about marriage.  Both my grandmothers were there and to see them so happy and dressed to the nines was worth more than money can buy.  I have beautiful bloodlines from both sides, what can I say.  They are two of the most beautiful and wise women I know.  I am a blessed, blessed girl to have those two for role models.  After we left, we had but a few minutes before we were to dress for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  The rehearsal went well and the rehearsal dinner was fabulous.  We CELEBRATED!  It was hot but as my husband said, "It wouldn't be a June wedding in the South if you didn't sweat through your suit before you even arrive at the party!" At least everyone was in the same boat as sweat ran down our backs.  We ate and drank and I was able to sit with my cousins and really enjoy them for a long while.  There were toasts- including one from my son.  He looked at me and said, "I want to say something".  I took him up there and he mumbled something about God and coming to earth.  It was precious.  My husband gave a sweet toast about what marrying into this family means.  It meant so much to me because he really does love my crazy family!  My dad gave a hilarious and touching toast in only the way he can.  I wish I had all three of these recorded but I was "in the moment" and that counts for a lot.  After everyone said goodbye, my cousins and I went out for a while just us.  I just love them! What a weekend.  And the big day was still to come!

My longest standing friend, my cousin Anna.  32 years young and still besties!

The smokin' Bride to be and one of her besties, Heidi

Sometimes we try to be cool

I cant blame the boy, that key lime pie was off the hook!

Our family at the Rehearsal dinner

Exhausted but Refreshed

Tuesday, May 27th, was George's last day of school at Oneonta.  It was a little emotional for ol' mom and hard to say goodbye but we made it through.

First Day of Oneonta

Last day of Oneonta

That afternoon I babysat for Tac and returned home to pack for the final time before our trip home.  We did online check-in and paid for four bags.  It was an exhausting day but I felt as though we had accomplished a lot.  A great first preschool experience, and now prepared to face the journey home.  The next morning, the three of us got in the car and headed to LAX at 4:30 am.  My flight was not until 10:30 but I refused to miss another flight out of LAX.  I've been there and done that.  We arrived and did curbside bag drop (since I already paid online) and then I waltzed through security in about 45 seconds flat.  They saw my stroller and just pushed me right on through.  No shoe removal, no lines, no fuss.  Where was this last time I traveled?? So on the one hand it was great, but on the other hand, now we had 5 hours to kill in the airport.  I was prepared though and had plenty to keep George busy.  Of course I could not get the portable DVD player to work, and I couldn't find the movie I bought on iTunes to play through the iPad.  Sometimes I hate technology.  Good thing George likes to color and play with figurines.

We made it through the flight even though there was no movie.  Thank you stickers and coloring books.  Guess who was at the airport to welcome us….Aunt Lauren!!!!  It was a wonderful surprise.  We stepped onto the elevator along with a little old lady in a wheelchair and her husband.  The doors closed, we made eye contact and realized we had been on the same flight out of LAX.  We talked for a few minutes until the nice attendant who pushed her wheelchair politely suggested that we push the down button on the elevator.  WELCOME HOME.  If there had been some sweet tea and biscuits, we'd have stayed in that elevator for a couple of hours at least.  Only in the south would that have happened.  We laughed, and pushed the button to go down to baggage claim.  There stood GRAMMY!!! George was so very excited to see her, as was I.  Thus began our three weeks in NC.  That night Grammy made me a wonderful birthday meal of bbq chicken, broccoli and cheesy potato casserole.  Lauren came and ate with us.  We topped off the meal with a birthday brownie sundae complete with a candle.  So tasty and I felt so special!  Lauren left us to go back to Chapel Hill and I planned to join her the next day.  We all slept well after our busy travel day- exhausted but refreshed by family, good food and being where we belong.  

The next day I went to Chapel Hill.   And here I must pause and apologize to my readers.  I have not mentioned anything about the events of this day or anything that even broaches the subject of what Lauren and I would do today.  Waaaay back in January I mentioned in a post that I had some news that I would share as I could.  I am sure most of you thought I was pregnant but that was never the case.  I am not sure why I didn't mention it sooner.  Maybe because its SUCH a big deal and SO special.  It is hard for me to write about things that are currently happening to me that are this special.  My only sister, my little Lauren, my best friend, my confidant, my professional counselor…..that girl got married on June 15th.  I know, I know- most of you were there and it already happened and I should have shared about this earlier.  Oh well, I am still learning the rules of the blogosphere.  

OK, so now I can say what we did the next day.  We went to UNC's campus and did Lauren's bridal shoot.  Her photographer is a friend of mine and photographed our wedding also.  It was so special to be able to do this with Lauren since I had missed out on so many parties and so much planning.  We went to the Arboretum, The Old Well, The Davie Poplar Tree and bench, and to the Graham Memorial Building.  It was a very successful day and did not rain one drop, though it threatened to.  Here's just a sampling of the hundreds of photos of my beautiful sister in one of the most beautiful settings in the world, our Alma Mater.  

  Right after we finished I had to rush off to another friend's rehearsal in Angier.  I was so thrilled to see this bride too. I missed so much of her plans and parties as well so when I saw her I thought our hug might extend right up until her wedding vows.  So good to be reunited with dear, dear friends.  After the rehearsal we went to a casual dinner in Angier.  If you follow this blog from NC, you might know Angier.  California friends, no need to worry, you've never heard of it.  We decided on one of the only sit down restaurants in town (easy decision).  I got a Reuben and we all shared fried pickles, fried jalapeño poppers, and fried cheese.  Warning: the food descriptions from here until I return to Cali will all include something FRIED.  I LOVE my state. 

The bride and groom after the rehearsal-sad to report no fried pickles were left to be photographed

 I returned to Grammy's house and George was already put down for bed.  Man it is nice to be home!  The next morning I went for a run on the lush greenway.  I never thought about the name of this trail until today… the GREENway.  It was so incredibly green and bright.  Trees as far as the eye could see with bright, wet, green leaves.  Oh how I have missed the green and the humidity. I  know it sounds strange to miss something that any southerner tries to escape every waking moment from May to September...but I did.  I must document that somewhere or I will never believe myself.  I must also note that by the time we returned to Cali, the atmosphere was most welcoming and I now have only three weeks to miss the humidity again.  That morning after my run, I borrowed Grammy's car and went to the bridesmaid's luncheon for my dear friend J.  It was lovely.  The food was amazing, the drinks refreshing, the hostess welcoming and the company was fantastic. All the elements of a good Southern bridesmaid's luncheon. J is one of those girls who has lots of great friends from many different avenues of her life.  I bonded with her friends and family and would come to enjoy two nights of pure fun with these people.  I returned to Raleigh in time for visiting all little George's great grandparents on his daddy's side.  We first went to Springmoor where Grammy's parents live.  After we spent a few precious moments with them, and played with a few handmade wooden toys -Paw Paw is quite the wood-worker) we headed to Gdaddy's parent's house.  There, we got a special treat.  Granddaddy Edwards pulled out his trombone and played it for little George.  G- Daddy said this was the first time he had ever even seen the instrument and he grew up in this house!  It was a full day of social activity and this introvert was exhausted but refreshed at the same time. It had been way too long since I had run in humidity, been to a party without my child, seen my husband's grandparents, or driven on I-40. I was a happy girl that day.   I changed clothes and bounced right in the car with G-daddy and he dropped me off at J's Rehearsal dinner: high-school-style- "Bye Pops-thanks for the ride, I'll be home before curfew!" I walked into Raleigh's The Pit and the smell of smoked pork and fried something hit me like a brick.  Whoa.  It was not long before I found myself at a table with my new friends and their dates.  We exchanged names and introductions were made.  The meal was family style and a fresh salad appeared.  It was great, but I began to feel a little skeptical about this BBQ restaurant. Salad?  So next came the biscuits and corn bread.  Ok, now we are talkin'.  Main course was pulled pork BBQ naked with a choice of eastern and western style sauce (nice touch with the choice, but they can keep the western style) ribs, mac and cheese and…wait for it…..FRIED okra! My favorite favorite favorite food.  I think I ate a whole dish of family style okra over the course of the night.  After toasts were made and gifts exchanged, we went to another bar to finish off another lovely night with a bunch of lovely folks.  How can you not get along after a family style meal complete with biscuits and fried okra.  I fell into bed again exhausted but again, refreshed- by okra. 

My new friends above and their hilarious men below

The beautiful couple at the Rehearsal Dinner

 The next day was her wedding day and it was busy but perfect.  The weather cooperated for this outdoor wedding, J looked amazing, E (her now husband) looked at her so lovingly I thought I might just cry, the music was genuine, the ceremony- so meaningful.  It made me very excited for my own sister's wedding (though J and I joke that we were always more like sisters than friends).  I got to see some faces that I had not seen since college and some faces that I had seen but that I had missed so intensely this year.  A great night overall and a ride home with a old friend and some good words were exchanged.  I arrived at Grammys house and felt the same way I had felt every day since I have been home: exhausted but refreshed.  

Here are some pictures from that evening:

The beautiful bride

Here I am bustling her train.  Don't judge, it was hot underneath that dress

This girl.  

The next morning everyone went to church except for me.   This introvert needed some alone time.  I read my Bible as I overlooked the beautiful landscaped back yard and thought, in just a couple of months, this will be my home town.  A wonderful few minutes of reflection and everyone was back in the house.  We went to lunch at a favorite restaurant and then Lauren picked me up and we headed to Wilmington.  My little guy was so tired from all the activity that he actually slept in the car and gave Lauren and I some major sister talk time.  Two hours to catch up, get deep, and solve all the world's problems.  As I look back this was time to be cherished because for the next two weeks, there would be so much activity in preparation for her wedding that conversations longer than two minutes would become extinct.  We arrived at Mama's door and what a happy reunion it was! That night we had grilled chicken over a gorgeous salad, wild rice and sweet tea.  For dessert, my childhood favorite dessert: pink pie! We again fell into bed that night finally more refreshed than exhausted.