Spreading pixie dust

Amelia and her good friend Josie spent the afternoon dressed as "princess fairies"... could anything be cuter?

Here's some evidence of their pixieness...

Oh, what a beautiful day!

It's the middle of October and 80 degrees here in Chapel Hill... some may call that "global warming" -- I call it delightful. Since it's going to barely make 60 tomorrow, we made sure to get out today and enjoy the beautiful weather

Our wonderful friends Sarah, Taylor, and Catherine met us at the park and fun was to be had by all. I failed in my attempt to get a good pic of Noah -- my fair skinned, light blond hair boy is hard to photograph. Amelia and Sarah stood still for me to take exactly one photo of each. The image of the day goes to Taylor... such a cutie!

So long t-shirts (today), hello sweaters (tomorrow)...

Brinsons in Beantown

¡Ay, caramba! My original post just got decapitated, a vicitim of technology. Upon clicking “publish,” a dreaded error message danced on the screen. Had I saved my text – no! All my funny musings about our trip to Boston for Stephanie (Hylan) Recupero’s fabulous wedding dissapeared in a poof of vitrual smoke. After regrouping (picking myself up off the floor after kicking and screeming), I've rewritten and revamped my post. Here are our TOP TEN Boston moments…

(PHOTO: Meet the Recupero's - Bill & Steph. Boston, MA – 10/1/05 – JKB)

10. Duncan Donuts (everyday). Mere steps away from our hotel, we became “regulars” at this fine establishment. Lee enjoyed the “Pat’s Special” daily, mom changed her order up each time, and I ate way too many chocolate frosteds. What about dad you ask, he put us all to shame by not once giving into temptation.

9. Strolling down Newbury Street (SUN – 10/2). What could be better than window shopping on Newbury Street? Having lunch at one of the many charming street-side cafes with mom, dad, Lee and Amelia.

8. The Bridesmaid Cocktail party (FRI – 9/30). What an event! Stephanie outdid herself, hosting a truly special party for all the girls in her wedding. It was a great opportunity for us all to get to know one another – we had heard stories about each other for many years and were finally getting a chance to match names with faces. There was lots of laughter, tearful moments, and a whole lot of love in that room.

(PHOTO: Steph and her wonderful girls. Boston, MA – 10/1/05 – JKB)

7. The Rehearsal Dinner cruise (FRI – 9/30). Held on a boat, we were treated to extraordinary views of the city at night. Dinner was delicious, we made new friends, and enjoyed many heartfelt toasts/roasts of the bride and groom. All in all, it was a terrific evening!

6. A walk down memory lane – Needham, MA (FRI – 9/30). We had such fun touring the town, checking out the former homestead, and regaling Lee with all sorts of important Kemp-Needham stories. The highlight was definitely visiting with the Reynolds. Pam Reynolds, one of my mom’s dearest friends, treated us to lunch at her home with her lovely daughter-in-law Sandra, and her two cute grandkids – Sophia (3 yrs.) and Gustavo (6 mths.). The meal was delicious (we all left with the soup recipe!) and the entertainment unparalleled. Sophia performed her rendition of Cinderella, complete with real tears over not being invited to the ball. It gave us a welcomed glimpse into our future – we can hardly wait for the Maddie and Amelia production of Sleeping Beauties!

5. The Red Sox game (THU – 9/29)! Stephanie arranged for the wedding party (I was a bridesmaid) to go to the Sox vs. Blue Jays game. What a treat! Amelia had her first subway ride with all the crazy Sox fans clad in red, we all got to see the infamous “Green Monster” at Fenway Park, and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting a few of Steph’s family members from Germany and some of her dearest friends. Enjoying a dog at the park and teaching Amelia about the great American past-time, while watching Boston beat Toronto, made for a memorable evening!

(PHOTO: Lee, Julianna, and Amelia visit Fenway Park for the first time. Boston, MA – 9/29/05 – JKB)

4. Visiting Paradise - in Warwick, RI (MON – 10/3). It was a visit many years overdue! To say we enjoyed our visit with Joe, Stacy, and Stella Paradise is an understatement. Even though it had been so long, it felt like the old days living with Stac on Crescent Heights. Meeting beautiful Stella was more than a treat. She is such a great girl – a perfect blend of her mom and dad. Amelia made a friend for life! Hopefully, it won’t be so long between our next hugs.

(PHOTO: BFF - Stella Paradise & Amelia Brinson. Warwick, RI – 10/3/05 – JKB)

3. Judy, Judy, Judy (SUN – 10/2). Life in NC just isn’t the same without Judy – filling the hole she left has been hard to do… if it’s even possible. We all (mom, dad, Lee, Amelia, and me) had a great dinner together at Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market and got all caught up on each other’s lives. (We are so proud of Judy! She is now an owner in the restaurant where she’s worked since moving back to Boston. If you’re ever in the city, be sure to stop by b.good to grab a bite to eat!) The evening ended WAY too early. The best part was that Amelia got to meet one of our best friends – “Aunt” Judy.

(PHOTO: Meeting "Aunt" Judy. Boston, MA – 10/2/05 – JKB)

2. The Wedding & Reception (SAT – 10/1). Getting ready in Stephanie’s suite; mom, dad, Amelia, and Lee, stealing an early peek at the GOREGOUS bride; a trolley ride to the historic church for the ceremony; the crowd outside the church watching Steph getting out of her vintage chariot; hearing those two beautiful words – “I do!”; taking pictures in the park with a 100+ crowd watching; the outdoor cocktail reception at the majestic Boston Harbor Hotel; Steph’s personal touches felt in every detail; the father of the bride’s sweet toast; sitting at a stellar table with our great new friends - Bob & Monica (Maid of Honor) and Jen & Joe (Best Man); dancing to a fabulous band; and decorating the bridal suite. It was an incredible celebration and a wonderful tribute to Steph’s creativity, expert planning, and deep love of friends and family. What a wedding!

1. Tears of joy! (SAT – 10/1). Nothing could have been sweeter than watching mom run – yes, run – pushing Amelia in her stroller, to catch one last glimpse of Steph as she left for the church. In true Carolyn Kemp form, those beautiful eyes of hers were filled with the dearest tears of joy. It means so much to me that she cares for one of my best friends in such a loving way. Talking to Steph after the wedding, she mentioned that mom’s tears were one of her favorite moments of the weekend. Never change mom - never!

Bonus: Hearing the story, as told by Steph upon returning home from her honeymoon, about how she had to be cut – yes, CUT – out of her wedding dress after leaving the reception! That’s a story for another time…

It was a FABULOUS weekend and being able to share it with mom and dad only made it more special. How do you thank your parents for being so amazing?! Standing by Stephanie's side as she married such a fine man was an honor I will treasure forever. Introducing Lee and Amelia to the place I grew up was so much fun and something I've wanted to do for a long time. Visting with old friends Stacy and Judy was the icing on the cake. We can't wait to visit Boston again... soon!

(PHOTO: Amelia HATES saying good-bye to Grandma & Grandpa. Boston, MA – 10/3/05 – JKB)