Aunty One-L Ties the Knot - Part 1 - Arrival Day

It was a dream come true.  She had waited for Mr. Right to come into her life.  We had sat and dreamed and prayed about this man for so long and when he finally entered her life, it was amazing.  He was all we had wished and hoped for her husband and soul mate. . . her Best Friend.  I have never seen her so happy as she was once Andrew Burge entered into her life. :)  I am so grateful for him and what he has done for her.  They are amazing together, and so fun to hang out with because they just are a big ball of fun and cozy laughter when around them.  So, it came as no surprise to me when she called me to say he had proposed and they were getting married!!!! I think I might have hurt her ears when I screamed into the phone and then as the festivities and events started, along with all the planning, we just kept crying and laughing through it all.  We had showers and bachelorette parties and just fun planning weekends.  They asked my kiddos to be the ring bearer and flower girl and as you can imagine, the kids were through the roof about this. :)  Me too. . and then she asked me to be one of her Matron of Honors. What an amazing gift and joy. I was so honored, to say the very least!!!!

So the wedding was held in Hilton Head South Carolina, on the island and it was set for October 27, 2012.  We left with my dad that Wed. and headed on our way, hoping to make good time and get down there in time to get things done. 

The trip went well and we traveled well together.  The kids were excited because not only was the wedding going to be so much fun, but they also were going to get the chance to be on the beach.  We had rented a condo with Ryan, Brianna, Reece and Dad, that was near the beach.  When we got there, the condo beds were calling our names because we arrived very late. Below, the kids made their beds on the living room furniture, and we got some quick shut eye, anticipating the next few days exciting events.

Andy and Michele dropped by in the morning to say hi and drop off some goody bags for us.  They brought each of the kiddos a sweet and thoughtful present and with Ava's bride Barbie came a gorgeous play engagement ring. . . which was her favorite part. Notice it on her finger?  Then they headed off for a relaxing day to the two of them so they could get ready for the next few days too. :)  I love how They are both glowing and happy in this picture above.  :)

 

Our Day 1 consisted of heading out to the beach with our family and dad.  The day was very windy which made it cold but the water was not too bad really.  The kids still loved the water and the sand.  They took a stroll along the beach with Daddy and Pappy.  They also just let the water wash up over them.  It was a good way to start our day but before we were out too long, Ava started to shake and her fever spiked so off we went to meet Michele's brother Matt.  He is a Physicians Assistant and took a look at her for us to save us hours in urgent care that day. :)  He was a life saver.  Sure enough, Strep Throat. YUCK!

 

That evening we didn't really do too much else.  Ava had been feeling pretty rough so we just tried to make her feel better and get rested up for the next day where we were going to have a LOT going on.  SO we all went to bed early and Ryan and Brianna were to arrive sometime in the early morning that next day.  So far so good!