Topsail Island

It's summertime which means travel, beach, travel, friends, travel, try new things.  I think you get the point.  It also means visit friends who live less than a football field away from the beach.  Ashley and I did just that this past weekend and had a blast visiting Meredith and AJ at Topsail. 

Our only requirement for the weekend was paddle boarding.  I've wanted to try this for a few years now and Meredith had the hookup.  My only piece of advice is listen to the professionals when they tell you the tide is low, the wind is crazy, and the current is fast.  We had no issues starting out but I'd be lying if I told you we did not need to be saved by two fishermen on a john boat who had to tow us to shore.  I'm quite positive I'd still be paddling if they didn't come by that day. 

double margaritas pre paddle boarding probably wasn't the greatest idea

proof

and we're up!

 We spent Saturday fishing and lounging on the Intracoastal Waterway with Mere, AJ, and their friends Eric, Stacy, and Stacy's mom Melanie.  Our count for the day: 3 sharks, 1 stingray, 1 crab.  I've got my eye on a flounder during our next outing.  Thanks again to Stacy and Eric for the invitation, we had a blast AND I CAUGHT A SHARK!

 

my catch of the day

all lines out

lucky to live in a beautiful state

by the end of the day I was Fifth Mate but definitely not Captain

great friends and hosts

Captain and First Mate

 

 

After a night on the town at the Tiki Bar and sitting up until 4am laughing and talking Sunday was spent sleeping on the beach.  This is the life. 

 

Mere and AJ... I'll be back.  It was the most wonderful beach weekend possible.  

Engagement Announcement!

I recently realized I begin most of my posts with 'my friends and I'.  Truth be known, my life would be a bore without them and I'm fortunate to have such a close knit circle.  Most of us have been together for almost 10 years now and have been a part of each others happiest and saddest moments.  Next to my family I know I can count on them without question, at any hour of the day or night.  This is why I'm SOOOOOOO excited to share that my best friend is newly engaged!!!!!!!!!!!!! (please insert screams, squeals, squeaks and all other high pitched noises you can think of).  Let the celebration(s) begin! 

West Coast Surprise

As I wrote an email to Sheila expressing my plans to visit soon and asking when she'd be back to the east coast my phone started ringing.  Sheila was on the other line and called to let me know she was making a last minute surprise trip to NC.  Would I be able to meet Friday night?  OF COURSE!  What a great treat it was to have her come to town even if it was a quick visit.  We spent Friday night toasting to everything we could think of, laughing about the past, and making plans for the future.  Our time together wasn't long enough but I'll take what I can get.  A big thanks to David and Christine for hosting us all.  Girls, let's do it again soon!

hiding in the garage to surprise Anne

 

SURPRISE!

 

time to face time friends!

and the photo shoot really begins

 

 

and one for instagram

  Sheila, please make last minute trips across the country as often as possible!!!

Myrtle Beach Girls Weekend

One of my best friends Meredith invited all the girls to her family condo on North Myrtle for a long weekend.  It's a rarity that we are all in the same place at the same time anymore so we were thrilled to be able to spend a weekend relaxing, catching up, and making memories.  It's devastating for me to say that we took no photos from the weekend (except for one I found on instagram- thanks Meg) but we must have been having too much fun to stop for any snapshots.  Next time you visit North Myrtle please make a visit to Captain Poo's, spend a little time at the beach, eat tons of seafood, and have a competition in the middle of the night searching for golf balls.  The weekend was wonderful and I am so fortunate to have these girls in my life!  Looking forward to the next time we're all together again.   

She Finally Arrived

After much anticipation, Leighton Drew McKinney graced this earth with her presence! She weighed in at 6 lbs 6 oz and 19 inches long.  She's a perfect little angel (and loves Aunt Shan snuggles).  I'm in love!  Congrats to Josh and Lindsay, she's beautiful!

Friends, if you could please plan to deliver all future children at the hospital I work at, I would be eternally grateful!

Love This!

These are all 100% accurate and I love it!

 

38 Signs you're from North Carolina

 

 

Perfect Weekend

This past weekend was pretty close to perfect.  My friends Mark and Allison had a celebration for their photography business Friday night.  Not only did it allow me to see so many of my fabulous friends but I met a few new friends too.  A good time is guaranteed with this group.  The night was filled with laughs, drinks, and story telling.  Honestly, if you're looking for a wedding photographer check this duo out.  Their work is beyond beautiful and no, I'm not saying this because they are my friends.  Mark Potter Photography is art.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday morning after spending a few hours laughing with Allie and Mark I met another one of my beautiful friends for lunch and a long hike.  Britt moved to Atlanta three months ago and I've missed her terribly.  I, of course, was barely breathing during our hike and quickly blamed it on the exhausting night I had.  Either way, if you're in North Carolina and looking for a fun afternoon activity you'd be amiss not to take advantage of Pilot Mountain State Park or any of the other parks in NC.  

 

Homemade ice cream sundaes with my nieces and nephews was the only logical way to end the weekend.  Here's to hoping for many more weekends just like this.