Five Brown Kids

Mark's boys wanted a beach trip before they headed back to college and Blythe and I tagged along.  We stayed in this darling little house in Manteo . Jumped in the waves at the beach on Nag's Head. Visited the Wright Brothers Memorial and climbed Bodie Lighthouse . Then Blythe and I left around 10 Sunday morning so we could drive to Scotia's new apartment and help her move in. (Scotia and Tyrone drove down Sunday morning from Raleigh with cars full of supplies) Busy and fun weekend. 

Last year we went to Cape Breton for a few days after the big family trip and it was so amazing we had to do it again.  We stayed at this unreal little Nordic Cottage and went on three great and very different hikes. Lowland Cove Loop , Fishing Cove trail and Squirrel Mountain trail.  I loved them all.  One evening we were so lucky to experience Table Doucet.  Every bite was interesting and delicious.  What a treat!

We've been planning a party to celebrate my parents 50th anniversary for a whole year now. It finally happened and it was wonderful.  We ended up booking the Atlantic Ballroom at White Point Beach Lodge and it was so beautiful.  Perfect location and excellent food - plus set up and clean up. Carrie ordered the flowers from Meguma Meadows, Naomi printed and mounted all the big beautiful family photos. Hannah was the emcee for the evening and did such a wonderful job - the family trivia was fun and touching. I made a short video with pictures from the last 50 years and short clips of each grandkid introducing themselves. John delivered an excellent toast. Mom and Dad wrapped up with brief talks and then we danced until it was time to close it all down. Every single kid and spouse and grandkid made it!  We had a professional photographer who took family photos and party pictures all night long. ( Family photos , the program , dancing ) And I loved to see all the old friends...

There are 15 grandkids plus Zoe's two boys and that means eating and playing all day long! Cornhole, four square, beach exploring, chess, tidal bore rafting, train bridge jumping, rope swinging, pellet gun shooting and uno. It is so much fun to watch them having so much together.  Taye got to spend a day fishing with his old friend Mitchell out near Coffin Island.