Memorial Weekend 2011

I've waited a while to post about Memorial Weekend, only because I didn't want to post without any photos!!  I used Aunt Betsy's camera and have been anxiously waiting to get my hands on those pictures!  ( and still waiting )

Well the weekend really started a year ago when the "Hicks' Annual Memorial Weekend Campout" all began . . .  We all had SO MUCH FUN at Devil's Den that we decided to keep it going!!  This years destination was decided when mom and Darrell decided to get hitched the same weekend!! LOL  5 weeks notice really limited our availability options when it came to campsites ( & cabins for those too city-fied to camp HA! ), a pavilion to hold 100 guests, and a beautiful location to say their "I Dos" during a holiday weekend.  So Mt. Nebo it was!!  And we couldn't have been happier.  The high elevation allowed for an amazing cool breeze, the small campground gave privacy and plenty of space, and the surrounding views were just breath taking!!  We planted ourselves across from the playground which made the little ones ( and big ones ) very happy.  We had plenty of space between 3 sites and a large shaded area behind us to play bocce ball and golf, plus it was just steps to the bath house, pool, and tennis courts.  Hunter could live his entire life outdoors so to him, this is heaven and Andrew takes care of most of the cooking and "doings" around camp . . . so camping to me is just so RELAXING!!  I love hanging around camp just visiting and laughing, playing games, hiking, fishing, and of course snacking on all those deliciously unhealthy camping treats!!  But probably the BEST part - lounging around the campfire with the stars shining brightly overhead . . .  And being with the Hicks family makes this even more special because we have many talented musicians that strum & sing beautifully together ( plus a few that didn't get that gene but just enjoy getting in on the fun! LOL )

This year was even more special because mom and Darrell decided to get married that Sunday morning!!  So everyone in the Hicks family tried to come plus Darrell's 2 sons and a few extras.

There was a lot of friendly competition on the tennis courts, playing bocce ball, bing-bag toss, and horse shoes.  We also enjoyed playing in the (freezing cold) swimming pool! Hunter LOVED the waterslide and, with chattering teeth and blue lips, kept begging for "un mor!)

Wedding Day!!

We woke up early for a morning walk and then it was off to the community bath house!  We broke down camp and then sat around the camp fire and put our make up on, momma and Abby even ironed their wedding attire on a rock . . . it was very nature-y and pretty comical.  We finished getting ready in the boys' cabin and then it was off to the ceremony.  

Momma was absolutely gorgeous, she just radiated joy and happiness.  And we are all so happy for her . . . although it is going to take some effort from me to "share" her!  And we are sure going to miss her living just a couple blocks away!

The ceremony and setting were PERFECT!  God blessed us with a beautiful sun shiny morning, a gentle breeze, and fantastic views off the mountain.  Our dear family friend, Bob Fant, preformed the ceremony which was very short and sweet (I think 11 minutes start to finish!)  Mom didn't want anything formal or too traditional so there was no "walking down the aisle" or even any music; so friends and family just gathered around them and they exchanged their vows, simply and beautifully.  Then it was up to the pavilion for BBQ and Chocolate Sheet Cake (mom's favorite home-made by several friends!)  There were no decorations or flowers (besides her bouquet - which I insisted she carry to make her a little more bridal!) but honestly, none were needed!  The room glowed from sunshine streaming through the open barn-door style windows and was overflowing with love & laughter.  It was wonderful to visit with so many loved ones and such a blessing to have so many come to celebrate and share this special time with us.

 

After a quick clean-up with the help of several guests, the newly weds were off to Little Rock and then to Dreams Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico.  Colt and Andrew spent the rest of the day golfing while Me, Hunter, and Abby played at the pool before heading back home to NWA.  Overall the day was glorious and as momma said, "It was just perfect, better than even expected . . ." ( minus the horrific mommy moment I had with Hunter asleep in a hot car, Thank you Jesus for watching over us! )  

Memorial Day!! 
Was spent as a three-some . . . After Andrew made us a nice breakfast of French Toast, we spent the morning walking through Fayetteville's magnificent Botanical Gardens; keeping the tradition going from last year.  While 'Momma and Da' enjoyed the beautiful plants and flowers, Hunter loved the 'choo-choo and kickens'!  Then it was off to one of our summer favorites - Tropical Smoothie - Yummy!!  A full belly and a couple hours splashing in the pool brought on a nice long nap for Hunter, that gave mommy some much needed quiet time and daddy a few hours to play!  This weekend was a terrific start to hopefully an absolutely amazing summer!!

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth... 

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." 

Genesis 1:1, 31