over the past week...

i was given the most gorgeous sunflowers from a celebration 

for my mother's cousin who passed

(this flower has important significance in our family)

i hopped in the car for a 12 hour road trip with my husband

that mostly looked like this

after 6 hours we stopped in virginia to see our friend brian

and the two of them had a ball catching up

6 more hours later, we arrived at our hotel

with a view that overlooked the ocean... perfection

we went to the beach everyday

and had our favorite spot

that allowed for some serious soaking up of sunshine

& bonfires at night

we ate the famous "apple uglies" for breakfast

& sundaes for dessert

i found a store with checkerboard flooring... obsessed

bonded with my college friends

 got ready for my best friend's wedding

and had an absolute blast!

this week was full of the best "mini" vacation we've ever been on. we left wednesday morning, stopped at the hospital for a check up (the wound is closing!! yippee!), made it in record time to virginia for dinner with our friend Brian, who used to be in the coast guard with pete. we then made the journey down to OBX & pulled into the parking lot at midnight. we were greeted by the bride & groom with beers waiting & serious "i missed you" hugs. we all slept in the next morning & spent the day on the beach & exploring the island... friday my other roomies came into town & we visited the lighthouse (post coming later), went to dinner, ice cream, & drinks. and then the next morning it was go time. we got ready for a windy day on the water for the most beautiful wedding ever. i got to sneak in and see mary before she walked down the aisle & the girl was as cool as a cucumber in her robe, sipping champagne. we are so honored to have watched the two of them become husband & wife & couldn't be happier for them.

after a non-stop drive back this morning we are back in CT and are wiped out by the fire watching football. hope you all had a fabulous week & weekend!