The Grand Celebration

    Chris and I wanted to start a tradition of celebrating our birthdays and anniversary together on a long-weekend trip somewhere each year.  This year we planned to go to Ashville, but it was expensive and just not working out.  A friend of Chris offered for us to stay at their beach house in Oak Island and we just couldn't pass up the opportunity!  We both LOVE the beach and you can't beat "free anniversary price"  ahhh we are so blessed. 
     We really had no idea where Oak Island was but we heard a lot of good things about the area.  To our surprise the house we stayed in was on the beach!  It was absolutely beautiful.  We had no internet, no tv and we were SO excited.  We most definitely LOVE getting away from the noise and busy-ness of life.  We had no agenda and an entire weekend to relax and enjoy...

     The first night we stopped at a local seafood market on our way in and got crab legs and fresh shrimp.  We had a feast that night...seafood, salad, corn, hawaiian rolls and wine!  I think we could both agree that was the best crab and shrimp we've had in a long time.  It was so fresh.

     The first day we were there it rained so we headed on over to Myrtle Beach, SC.  We stopped at Bass Pro Shop and happened to find our favorite store, Goodwill.  We stoppped in and found a few good finds!  Next stop was the outlets.  What a great rainy day for shopping...and eating Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream MMmmMmm!  .... yes, we always share!

     Our little getaway was so much fun.  It was carefree and relaxing, rejuvenating to our souls!  One thing we really enjoy is cooking together and enjoying yummy meals.  That night we used the left-over seafood to make an alfredo sauce with pasta, steamed veggies, a salad and a "snake-bite" (guiness and woodchuck beer).  Oh yes.  We really enjoy good food...

     Next morning we awoke to the beautiful sunshine and waves of the NC coast.  It was my birthday!  First thing we wanted to do was go for a bike-ride...

     Then we headed to Wilmington, one of our most favorite places to go.  We have spent a lot of time in Wilmington together and have many special memories in that town.  We made it there just in time to take HOT yoga at Porters Neck Yoga Spa with one of our 2 favorite teachers, Kas =)  She was not expecting us, it was a great surprise!!!  I was also able to get the one thing I'd wanted for my birthday-- a pair of feather earrings!  I love them and they are so special because Kas and Monique handmade them.

     That afternoon we made our way to Airle Gardens.  I've always wanted to go there, my friend Nicole told me about the gardens years ago.  It was SO pretty.  I absolutely LOVE flowers, expecially perennials:  tulips and dafodills.  We spent the afternoon making our way through the self-guided tour of the many, many gardens.

     That evening we took a walk around "the loop."  So many special memories along the 2-mile loop.  We stopped half-way and watched the sunset.  We are so incredibly thankful to both enjoy so many simple things together-- like watching the sunset and taking a walk.

     Since we started dating Chris has always wanted to bring me to The Melting Pot.  That night, without reservations we went to try The Melting Pot.  It was a total God thing-- we got there and they told us it would be a 2-hour wait so we went and sat at the bar.  I was totally NOT feelig the bar and told Chris I'd rather wait for a table.  Then, they asked, "You're here for just dessert, right?" "Yes!" we responded...they had us seated in 10 minutes!  Chris and I got French press coffee for two and the Yin and Yang dark/white chocolate fondue with LOADS of yummy treats.  If we did it again, we would ask for just fruit.  The graham cracker and oreo covered marshmallows, pound cake, rice krispies, cheesecake, brownie, strawberries and bananas were a little too much!  They even brought out a candle for my birthday-- how sweet!

     That night we sat out on the porch star-gazing.  The moon was REALLY bright that night too.

     Next day was Chris's birthday =)  He wanted to relax and read that morning.  It was so nice to be slow and enjoy the quiet time.  We read for hours and enjoyed some coffee.  Before long it was time to pack up.  Before we headed home we went for one last stroll on the beach...it was grand.

     What a blessing.  We are so thankful we were able to get away, relax and celebrate our birthdays and marriage =)  Can't wait ti see what next year brings.