Shannon and Gary MARRIED!

Shannon and Gary have wedding and reception planned for September -- but they decided to get married at the courthouse early so that they could all be an official family and move in to their new home together before school starts (a new school for Mason).  So excited for their new family -- a combination of Mason & Shannon and Gary & Justin & Nathan & Hailey.  The official Allen Family!





Dana called me just before Shannon and Gary were called in to get married, so she and Shannon had a chance to talk.  It was the best sister-moment.  Instant tears!


A few family pictures before the big event!





Once in the room we all had to sit down while the judge got things ready.  Spirits were high.







Once it was time for the ceremony, Gary and Shannon and Hailey and Mason stood at the front, in front of the judge.





The rings!



The vows!



The kiss!




The witnesses (Shannon's good friend, and Justin).  Love the glimpse of Shannon and Gary in the background.











Gary and his mom


We took a few photos outside in downtown Raleigh just after the ceremony.  Introducing, Mr & Mrs Allen!

Miles & Reid Week

It was supposed to be a week away at Camp Harrison, but plans had to be postponed until next summer.  Instead, it was a week of Miles-Reid Camp in Charlotte.  It was Monday-Friday of sleepovers, movies, and adventures (Knights Game, Carowinds, Sky High, movie theatre, trampoline, pool and so.much.more).  There were lots of smiles, laughter, dancing, wrestling - you name it.  The very best part was when Reid leaned over to me and said, "Mrs Brown, can we have Miles and Reid week every summer?"  Love these boys.  Love their best friendship.  






NOT the best photos
NOT the best video clips
NOT the best compilation
DEFINITELY the BEST friends!

https://vimeo.com/49075977

password = milesreid

July 4th

was a much fun 4th of july day with a fun party at our neighborhood pool and then fireworks at night.  it took 2 seconds of being in our spot for mike to say, "forget about looking for houses closer to uptown...i want to live on a golf course".  not that we are moving anytime soon.  just a comment he made.  thoughts for the future.


We watched people set off fireworks while we waited for the main event.



I brought sparklers for the kids.










People were launching these really cool hot air balloon type things.  They looked so beautiful against the backdrop of the golf course (my photo does not do it justice)



Love that as the fireworks started most of the kids inched their way forward until they were hanging by themselves.  Sweet Noah was scared during almost all of the show (so very loud - we were so close to where the fireworks were being set off and it did feel like they were directly above us).  Maybe next year he'll enjoy it more.





Happy Birthday, America!