July 23, 2010
"Bachelorette Beach Bash"

  I am so blessed to have such an amazing group of girls to be right beside me on the big day.  Although I terribly missed Nick, he was excited for me to have a weekend of relaxation and fun in the sun with my bridesmaids.  My Uncle Johnny and Aunt Frances were so gracious in allowing us to stay in their beautiful beach home at Emerald Isle.  We could not have asked for better weather all weekend. After a long day on the beach and an early dinner on Friday, Lauren had a surprise game planned for me at my lingerie shower.....I had NO idea what to expect.  She had been interviewing Nick, without me knowing, and asking him all different types of questions about me and about him.  Some examples were: "What is Amanda's favorite food?" "What is Nick's favorite color?"  "When did you know that you had fallen in love?" and "Where did you go on your first date?"  For each question that I answered incorrectly, I had to put a piece of Double Bubble in my mouth. Let's just say that after about seven pieces, we decided it might be a little easier to understand my answers without a full mouth of gum =)
       Saturday was lots of fun because almost everyone had arrived by that time. Elizabeth Anne and Emily were able to join us and help us to finish off the weekend strong!  We missed Jessica, but wished her well as she was participating in another wedding in Charlotte that very same weekend.  I cannot tell you how nice it was to be able to sit under the beautiful sunlight, listening to the waves, and truly taking in all of the wonders of this earth that God has made for us to enjoy.  This weekend was a great time full of laughter and tears for all that lifes' journeys will bring us!