Amusement From Above

I wasn't sure that I was quite ready to get back on a plane again (after our disaster is Vietnam – I'll post about this later, I know that I slacked off on my travelogue).

I flew out to Norfolk/Virginia Beach for my cousin Jacob's wedding this weekend. Left Friday morning was met in VA by my Uncle then met up with my parents later on in the day. My Dad, retired military, had us staying at the Little Creek Naval base, at the Navy Lodge. I love watching him be saluted and called "Commander"! We had been invited to the Rehearsal Dinner, so we all headed over to Ruth's Chris Steak house in Norfolk. It was great to see all my family (grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins + wives and kids). I finally got to meet Jacob's soon-to-be bride, Becky. Dinner was delish – and I received Twenty Questions, as to why I was not drinking. I had a sore throat, no other reason behind the not drinking!

On Saturday, my Mom, Dad and I went out to breakfast at Waffle Town – then bought James a birthday present. We then went over to Jacob's place and got the grand tour. We then went back to the Navy base and Jacob showed us the boats that he works on. Found out more of what he will be doing in Iraq, when he leaves next week. Then we went to the Navy Exchange! No Tax! I got a new pair of Coach shoes, a jacket and top. Mom bought a few things as well. This was quite a large exchange and commissary, the biggest that I've been in.

The wedding itself was a bit confusing – not sure what time it was at and where exactly it was … outside or inside. After getting it all figured out, we waited for the bride …. Who was late. People got a little anxious and since there were not enough chairs for everyone, people were just wandering around. The service was short and sweet – and then the photographer came over to my Dad and me (after seeing my fancy camera/flash/etc) and asked if my Dad was a hired photographer and was he taking the formal pictures! No, we said, this is the Groom's uncle! She said that she was having camera/flash problems and would he take the formal pictures. Humm .. he did and did a lovely job. The reception was nice and good to catch up with all my cousins! It was great to meet my cousins little ones again.

Sunday, we went back to the Exchange and guess what, bought more stuff! Then we picked up my Grandparents, who had driven with my parents from MI. We walked along the beach a bit and then headed off to Yorktown. My Dad took us to the US Coast Guard Training center in Yorktown, where he had his USCG training 30+ years ago. It was very cool to see the Barracks he was in, where he went to Muster and do all his training. We had a nice walk around the base/training center. Then we went back through the Yorktown Battlefield and into Yorktown itself. We had lunch at the River Café and then wandering around the shops. I bought a cute decorated doggie biscuit container for Pumpkin!

After this, they dropped me off at the airport in Norfolk and before you know it, I was back home.

Overall, a nice-interesting weekend (if I know you and will see you in real, I'll tell you the real story! It's juicy).