Mel's 28th Birthday, Part 2 - Ice Cream Party

In the Summer of 2000, I was preparing for my grandiose move to the state of North Carolina to begin my new life as a college student at UNCW.  Bags were packed.  Class schedule was set. And Galloway Dormitory would be my new home away from home.  I still remember it like it was yesterday.

I had received a welcoming letter in the mail from my new college that included the name and phone number of my new roommate.  Boy, was I exited!  Being an only child for 17 years had gotten a little lonely.  

I grabbed the portable phone out of the kitchen, made my way to the back porch, and dialed the number.  That first conversation with Dana was so easy and familiar.  I know you hear the expression all the time but it honestly felt like we had been friends for years.  We talked and talked ... and talked for hours.  We had obviously been friends for many lifetimes before and were simply just picking up where we had left off.  

And I'm so thankful our conversation is still going strong ten years later.  Joe can attest to the countless number of phone conversations that begin to end until ... 'Oh, I forgot to tell you one more thing...'  Those 'one more things' can sometimes last a very long time.

For my 28th, it was no surprise to me that Dana would go out of her way to make me feel as special as she could on my birthday.  Mission accomplished, girl.  She threw me a very elaborate, very amazing ice cream birthday party (girls only!).  All of us girls laughed and talked.  Ate ice cream.  Reminisced and talked.  And ate more ice cream.  I had the most fabulous time.  More importantly I have the most fabulous friend in Dana.

 (special shout out to Jen for the awesome bday gift ... killer cowboy boots!)

Mel's 28th Birthday, Part 1 - Bald Head Island

Before I get started ... yes, there is a Part 1 to my birthday.  Because there is a Part 2.  And that's how I roll.

Let's Begin.

Bald Head Island is an island of magic.  It is completely removed from your everyday nonsense and has made itself an exclusive club off the coast of NC.  The only way to get to the island is to be invited by a resident of the island.  I even think there's a secret handshake, password, and decoder ring in there somewhere.  The only way on and off the island is through an exclusive Bald Head ferry ... or if you happen to own your own yacht.  There are no cars on the island; there are only golf carts.  Some of which probably cost more than my car.  It is quiet.  Relaxed.  Reserved.  Southern hospitality oozes from it's pores.  And my family is lucky enough to have an aunt and uncle who have a vacation home in this lap of luxury.

I was fortunate enough to celebrate my 18th on BHI with loads of friends and family.  Now ten years later I thought it was time for another go-around.  And that's where Joe & I found ourselves last weekend for my birthday.  And as if that wasn't fabulous enough, fate aligned the stars once more and placed our godchildren's Fall Break on the same weekend.  And I always say, the more the merrier.

Undisclosed location where we boarded the BHI ferry and began my birthday weekend. 

The Wheless' met us at the door as the golf cart tram dropped us off.  They were ready for adventure.  Dean Patrick swiped Joe's headlamp and we were off to visit the nighttime beach-scape.

Helena's star wand was one of those cool light-up things ... where you snap them and they begin to glow.  Then you store them in the freezer so they keep longer.  Talk about bringing the 80's back!

Girl Talk.

Saturday morning (nice flannel, Chancho) Joe was up and at 'em.  A bike ride is always the perfect way to start a day.

The boys piled in the back of the golf cart.  First stop, the market for some shopping!

Next stop, the remains of the original lighthouse on BHI.  We spotted a red fox here.  There is tons of nature on BHI.  Helena & I even caught sight of some deer.

Turtle Conservatory.  BHI is home to loads of Loggerhead turtle nests.  In fact, the weekend we were there was a huge release. 

Joe brought his take-along hammock.  He was the perfect picture of a happy camper.

This was our ride.

This was the birthday palace.

Of course, we got in some sunny beach time.

Uncle Kenny conquering his new hobby.  He found $1.80 in change.  Just sayin'...

Joe took this $1.99 Tazmanian kite to new heights literally.  250 feet in the air.  If you don't think it can be done, Joe will do it and make it look good.  That's my boy.

Couldn't this be on the brochure for BHI ... or Broadway.  We'll take either one.

Get it, girl.

Beautiful Monarch butterflies were at every corner.

This was the Yellow-bellied slider turtle lookout. 

... and this is what popped out of the water!  I almost died.  See you later alligator; after while crocodile. 

BHI Chapel.  Possible location of our children's weddings?!

Old Baldy ... the new and improved lighthouse on BHI.

Time to celebrate!  (The crew of Twilight was even with us.)

Had to throw this one in there.  We went on a nature walk Sunday morning.  I caught this shot of Joe looking like a flippin' J.Crew model.  What a stud.