It's Time for the Wedding!

This was our first "destination wedding" and it was wonderful! Many family members and the wedding party began arriving on Wednesday, March 7th, and most stayed through Sunday, March 11th. It was so nice to have four days to spend together hanging out, catching up, and getting to know new friends. At last it was Friday afternoon...time for the wedding! Mark and Blaire were blessed with a beautiful spring day. I don't think the sky could have been any bluer. Thank you Lord!

 

Engagement Photo of our nephew Mark and his beautiful fiance` Blaire:

 Blaire and her Dad, Mark:

 Mark and his best man, brother Michael:

Debby and Van, parents of the groom:

 

Sealed with a kiss, Mr. and Mrs. Mark Chason Mitchell!

Afterward we took advantage of the gorgeous setting to take a few family pictures:

 

 Nephew Ben and his wife, Alli

 

 My brother John, and his wife JoAnn

Leah, Kyle and little Emery

TYES sorority sisters from our days at UCF...me, Debby, Linda and Laura

Soon it was time to head over to the Indies Club for the poolside reception, which included dinner and 
 dancing!

 Cupcakes...the new wedding cake!

Nick with the happy bride and groom

Groom's cake and table for two

It was getting dark, but I had to get a picture with my good friend, Susan. We went to high school together...back in the 70's!! Now we are mothers, and yes, even grandmothers. How fun!

It was a wonderful day from start to finish and we were so happy to be a part of the festivities. Our congratulations to Mark and Blaire!

Little Emery Turns One and She's Having Fun!

We were all pretty excited to be able to celebrate Emery's actual birthday with her, in the Keys, on March 8th. She had just begun "officially" walking and was so much fun to watch as she waddled around the villa, opened presents and thoroughly enjoyed her cupcake. What a cutie pie she is and we loved every minute of being with her!

 

We were so surprised how much Emery loved her sunglasses and actually left them on whenever she was outside! Leah and Kyle have trained her well!

This last picture was taken at the rehearsal dinner the night of her birthday. It was VERY windy, but she was a trooper as always. Happy Birthday Sweet Emery! Grandma and Grandpa sure do love you!

Hawks Cay...Beautiful!

If you are looking for ocean breezes, turquoise water, beautiful views, multiple pools, wonderful accommodations, and a great family vacation, you need to save your pennies and head for Hawks Cay on Duck Key! I always thought you could only find places like this in the Bahamas or the Caribbean, but not so. This is a top notch resort and the perfect setting for a destination wedding. 

After two days of driving, EZ got horizontal and took a much deserved snooze on the sofa. So thankful he was at the wheel again!

Here is a little tour of our villa (#2007) in Marina Village, and some other areas of the resort, including a dolphin training area:

 

It didn't take long to realize we were going to love this place! Family members were beginning to arrive for  four days of wedding festivities and precious memories. We looked forward to celebrating Emery's first birthday as well. Stay tuned...

Our Trip to the Keys

On Tuesday, March 6th, Mom, EZ and I piled in the car and began our 15 hour drive to Duck Key for my nephew's wedding. We really had no idea how far we would get on the first day, but hoped it would be at least halfway. EZ never tired and drove all the way to Palm Coast! We actually arrived in time to take a little side jaunt to St. Augustine before dinner, and we got to see the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and Flagler College. I couldn't believe how beautiful the sky was just before sunset. Wish we had a couple more hours to explore this gorgeous city...maybe next time!

 

 

It was a great first day of driving and we looked forward to arriving in Duck Key Wednesday afternoon to meet up with Leah, Kyle, Emery and Nick!