Stephens First Annual Beach Trip and Jr. League Fun

We are back from what I thought might be our last trip to the beach this year but then I remembered that not only are we going to Santa Barbara, CA in a few weeks for a wedding but we're talking about spending Christmas in the Bahamas with my parents.

SOOO..here's one of our LAST beach weekends for 2010 AND the first annual Stephens beach trip.
Actually Stephens/Waller/Grubbs beach weekend.

The beach? Emerald Isle, NC near Camp Lejeune in Eastern North Carolina.
I copied off of Casey and Sara and wrote in the sand.

The house? AMAZING!! 10 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, pool, hot tub, pool table, ping pong, movie room and right on the beach!! We've already reserved it for the same week next year.

We were only there a few days unlike the rest of the family who spent the entire week there.

Nothing says the beach like cheese puffs on a beach blanket. Our niece and nephew are two cuties petuties.

SIL Robyn showing that she's ready to fight like a girl. I'll go ahead and share with everyone now that I've had a chance to talk to her.

Robyn, who is my age and the Mother of the two beautiful children above has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

It's Stage One but she will be undergoing a mastectomy and chemo in the next few weeks. Please consider donating to our Race for the Cure team in her honor if you haven't done so. Thanks to everyone who has supported us so FAR!

Lots of beach time. The boys taught Reed how to play bocci ball.

He has grown up so much. Not a baby but one of the boys now.

During the game of bocci ball we noticed a big group gathering near the water. What could it be? A fisherman caught a freaking shark!! Not just any shark.. but a BIG one!

HOLY SHARK!!!!!!!! I'm sorry but this is why people shouldn't fish on the beach.

Yep, they didn't kill it but put it back out to swim! I DID NOT go back into the water after that. At least not that day.

Instead we hit the pool at the house. Aunt Dee and Uncle Brad.

We had such a great time. We spent most of our time at the house and beach and no where else.

Uncle Dennis toasting my Dad -- he's a Vietnam Vet too.

Ages in our group were from 2 years old to 75-years old.

18 of us in all. I didn't get pictures of everyone but it was a fab time indeed. My MIL withe Bradster.

Robyn.

We were going to try and take a family photo but never got around to it.

Oh.. a highlight of the trip? I got Reed to eat salad for the first time in his life!! Mommy and Daddy were THRILLED!

Paige was styling all weekend.

Our last day we enjoyed a family cannonball contest. It was a blast!

Thanks to Aunt Becky, whom you see here, for paying for the house!! We LOVED it!!

Me with the little ones reading them Tickle Monster. CoCo suggested this book way back when. It was Paige's birthday present from us!

Ice cream while watching LSU!

All in all a GREAT trip and we can't wait until next year!!

After driving back in -- I unpacked and got ready for the Junior League of Charlotte's first annual LIGHTS, CAMERA, FASHION! event at Belk.

A fashion show and shopping event that raises funds for non-profits here in Charlotte.

Belk is based here in the Queen City so it's a good thing for them and us.

Here's me and my co-chair, Caroline. We are the JLC's Historians.

Other league friends...

The event was sold out and included drinks, food, music and more.

Some people brought their hubbys but I can't imagine Brad enjoying something like this too much especially being held on Sunday night during football season.

Great time overall!! Great weekend overall!! How was your weekend bloggies?? MUAH!!