DINKs (well, not for much longer . . . .)

Last May at the Wilson Family Reunion at High Hampton, Patrick and I were telling a story about one of our recent boating adventures on Lake Norman. Nothing too exciting, just sharing how we enjoyed spending Saturdays anchoring out somewhere on the lake, sitting in the sun, and sipping cocktails. My Uncle Marcus informed us that we were officially "DINKs." I had never heard of the term, but was hoping it wasn't some polite way to call us "drunks." Marcus explained that DINKs means "Double Income No Kids," and that most DINKs live an fun lifestyle with toys like boats and frequent vacations to fun places.

Patrick and I laughed, but the more we thought about it, the more we realized we really were DINKs who did basically whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted (so long as sweet sister Caroline was willing to watch the dogs). After three and a half years of marriage, I think we can both say that we have been blessed with some wonderful experiences. We've been on vacations with friends, anniversary trips, last minute weekend getaways, and way too many to count date nights where we spent hours eating good food, drinking good wine, and just talking (knowing of course that sleeping in the next day would NOT be a problem). Here are some pictures from some of our favorite DINK outings from the past year.

Beaufort for Misty's Annual Oyster Roast (November 2007)

Kiawah Half- Marathon (December 2007)

Richmond for a Wedding (December 2007)

Atlantic Beach for Fourth of July
Hilton Head Island with friends (Summer 2008)

Grove Park Inn for a CLE (October 2008)

But the DINK lifestyle was about to change. Little did Uncle Marcus know (he would find out later that night at the family dinner table), but we were not going to be DINKs much longer.

Thanks to my sister Joan, this little baby is called "Herbie." Herbie was my great-grandfather's name, and Joan had high hopes the baby would be a boy (we won't get into the mohawk she hoped he'd have, too). By the time we found out that Herbie was a girl, it was too late. The name had stuck. Herbie is due January 20th, and we are getting more and more excited each day. We've been blessed with wonderful friends who have offered us furniture, bedding, toys, and more, but we're most fortunate to be blessed with family and friends who have offered their love and support to this baby girl.

Sometime early in 2009 (depending on if Herbie comes early or late), we will no longer be DINKs. But we had a good run, with no regrets and lots of great memories. We are positive that it only gets better from here . . . .