Around First Landing and Virginia Beach.

The weather is too cool and windy for kayaking so we decided to go hiking on a couple of their many trails. 

We started out on the Bald Cypress trail and then Osmanthus   

Love these Live Oak trees that are all around the campground. They have limbs that grow in many directions, some laying on the ground. 

Since we are at the seashore, we had to have some more seafood. Today we went to the Dockside Restaurant. Food was delicious and sitting dockside was fun for those of us landlocked Pennsylvanians!

Sangrias were good too. 

Last night here, we had to take in the sunset over the Chesapeake. It was beautiful. 

Tried a selfie. Didn’t get the sunset in the background but a great shot of friends. 

Ended the night with a roaring fire. You can see Bill and Fred and Janet’s legs under a quilt. 

A fun, relaxing trip with good friends. 

Leaving North Carolina for Virginia Beach

We are sad to be leaving North Carolina but we have another fun journey ahead at Virginia Beach with Fred and Janet Powell. 

Fred and Janet are hosts at First Landing State Park in Va Beach and receive free off-season camping for their hosting duties. They invited us to meet them there. So away we go!

All tucked in our spot for the next few days. Now for some exploring. First Landing has the Chesapeake Bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. 

Took a walk along the beach. It is much cooler and windy here. 

Fred drove us around and we stopped for a light lunch at Buba’s, She crab soup and a salad, and Oysters Rockefeller ... yummy. 

The BIG day has arrived!

Some would say this day would never come but I knew it would when they were ready. 

Erin’s engagement ring was her grandmother’s and her wedding dress was made from material from her grandmother’s dress ..  very special. 

Before the ceremony we needed to decorate the Renolda “barn”. This was part of the R. J. Renolds working estate and has been restored into a beautiful wedding venue. 

Thank heavens Bill brought our ladder along because we needed it to hang the lights from the rafters And the venue didn’t provide that. Not any easy task but it brought people together. Another special part of this special wedding. 

That’s Drew on the ladder and his dad and Uncle Fred supervising!

And here it is all done

On to picture taking ... oh my so many good ones!

For those of you who couldn’t make the ceremony or to relive this momentous day, here’s the link to the video: https://youtu.be/83eCIlRfmB0

Erin’s dad, Frank Silva. 

Time for the reception to begin. Oh my, more fun for everyone. 

The new Mr and Mrs.

Shannon and Kiersten making their entrance!  And here’s the video of it.  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NttlbHJyCvk

Drew and I dancing

Bill and Shan

Bill and Erin


Drew’s Aunt Geri and her son Joe


Bill with Shan and Carl


Drew’s friends from high school, Brittany Barbato and Dan Chatlos. 


Their send off

Rehearsal and party at the winery

Friday the 13th looks like a busy day ahead but we did get a hike in at the Piedmont Environmental Education Center. Bill is looking at two different types of trees that grew together. Thinking of our two families that will be joined together tomorrow. 

I always look for a cardinal at our special events because I know our loved ones in heaven are looking over us. 

So we can be closer to the festivities and the venue, Bill, Lenny and I moved into the Cardinal Kimpton in Winston-Salem. Since Lenny couldn’t be at the festivities, we had to get someone to walk him. We used the services of Ardmore Pet Sitting. They had a contract with our hotel so it all worked out perfectly. They came and took him for walks and sent us photos. 

Was such a relief to me. 

On to the rehearsal in the Renolda Gardens. Erin tried to herd a bunch of cats. She did it quite well and with a lot of patience!

This is the Renolda gift shop and greenhouse. A beautiful setting for a wedding. 

Now that we are supposed to know what to do for the wedding, it’s on to the party st Junius Lindsay Winery. Drew and Erin worked here when they went to Wake Forest University. This is a very special place for them. 

These are little s’mores pies that Erin’s twin sister and mom made. The recipe is from Who’s Your Mama pies in Chicago. Thank you Kiersten and Lauren. DELICIOUS. 

Shan, Drew’s best man, Carl and Carl’s Mom, Jutta

Drew, Erin, Good friends from Chicago, Koe and Ashlee Bingle.  

Two sets of “twins,” Linda and me and the true twins, Erin and Kiersten. 

Fun times with friends and family.