Family wedding round up

We were privileged to attend Dada's cousin's son's wedding. Haha. His name is Charlie, and his parents are Sherri and Doug. Sherri has been one of my besties for a long time, and she won't mind when I tell all y'all that she's a farm girl at heart. Usually in jeans and a T-shirt, or her pink hoodie, she is effortlessly beautiful makeup free, sun in her hair, a smile on her face. Here she is in fancy dress, with a fancy hairdo, and sparkly makeup to emphasize her loveliness! We were all so excited to come help them celebrate!

The lovely bride, Trisha, is a new friend. I've only had the opportunity to hang out with her a handful of times, so I'm looking forward to getting to know her more in the future. Her father passed on seven years ago, so her brother escorted her down the aisle. I thought her face here captured all the feels of a wedding day- that tidal wave of emotions.

Charlie, the tall groom on the right, and his big brother Michael who officiated and did a wonderful job!

Jana, I got this photo specifically for you. I love how the little girl is soaking up every single detail of Trisha's veil and train!

The groom's beautiful sister, Katelyn, was among the bridesmaids. It was great to hang out with her at the reception; she's been a traveling nurse for awhile and I never get to see her!

It seemed everyone was so excited for this wedding to happen. Charlie has loved Trisha for many, many years. It was beautiful to see everyone's happiness on their behalf.

So off we went to the reception where Shenanigans ensued.

Yes, Tino attended though I realize now I forgot to put him on the RSVP. Good thing he doesn't eat much.

I told Dada that he, Liam and Lizzie should go photobomb the bridesmaids as they were all in the same soft purple shade!

Michael and Doug giving their speeches. It can be nerve wracking but they both did an excellent job. I very much enjoyed hearing more about Charlie and Trisha, especially the story of how Michael and Trisha were in the same gifted class while Charlie faked a learning disability so he could go to the special ed class to play with the toys!

Mother-son dance with his sweet Mama. She looked absolutely gorgeous.

We sadly didn't get everyone together, but we scraped up some family members for at least this picture! So good to see the Indiana crew- we missed our Maryland fam!

The handsome fella on the left is Pap, Dada's Dad. His sister, Aunt Evelyn, is the groom's Grandma, and her husband Leon. She's had some health issues recently and has had lots of people praying for her, so it was a wonderful answer to prayer to see her at the wedding and looking radiant!

Thank you so much for inviting us and allowing us to share your day and your joy. Many blessings on your marriage and your future. We love you!

 

Mystery Adventure #4

Off we go, again! Damon is holding his Pizza Hut passport for this Mystery Adventure. Apparently the BookIt program is getting a little crazy in its old age and there are passports now that you can fill with stickers and games. Who knew? Benefits of having that third child, I guess... now we know!

Some of us were delighted to see the first snowflakes of the year pelting us as we headed out of town. Some of us were considerably less so. Blech. 

It can snow on the penguins and polar bears all it wants and it can add my share. I'd be fine with not shoveling again, ever. However, since we live where we live, I guess I'll just have to suck it up and deal with it.

Anyway, off we went to meet up with our friends for a little window shopping before the heart of the Mystery Adventure. We got to goof off in a fancy mall with Annika, Charlie, Noah, and their parents, Sharon and "Dao". For those of you who are trying to keep everyone straight, Noah is two weeks younger than Carrie, Charlie was born in October like Liam but is a year older, and Annika is the brave girly one who puts up with our not-very-girly clan. Dao ran sound for our wedding and went to OSU with Dada. We met Sharon at our wedding, adored her, and were in on Dao's wedding proposal to her when they came out to visit us in Oregon. It's safe to say we've been friends for a looooooooooooong time.

*insert mental pictures of kids in awe in Spencer's, testing out camping chairs in the sporting goods store, riding escalators, begging for candy from the chocolate shop, and so forth as I forgot to take any mall pictures here*

And then it was time for the real Mystery Adventure, which was a 40th surprise birthday party for our buddy Dave!

Blessed by a true servant's heart, Dave was surprised all right. It was fun to reciprocate some of the goodwill he's bestowed on so many others throughout our years of friendship.

"Heeeeere's Dave and the way he does the hula..."

That's a long-running joke from Dada's college choir, and Dave sure didn't disappoint. Dave has also been a friend for forever. We really get a kick out of his wife, Jennifer, who we are getting to know as they have just been married a bit over a year. She has a contagious cheerful spirit!

Apparently I didn't get any pictures of the Elusive Annika, but here are some faces to put with names:

Can you tell it was a game day? Charlie is my buddy in that he always roots for Penn State. Carrie also approves.

Another of our dearly beloved families arrived; Manoj and Priscilla and their three lovely daughters are more people we never get enough time with.

The party was in a rather small room that was bursting with good cheer and folks loving on Dave. There were tons of kids, so there were plenty of shenanigans, including silly string, which actually was a grown up's idea in the first place. 

Happy birthday to Dave, thanks for a great party, Jennifer, and it was super seeing our buddies! Successful Mystery Adventure #4! We love you all.