My brother got married on June 13, 2009. It was a beautiful wedding, and the weather was PERFECT for a wedding. I loved being there to support my brother and partake in the celebration of their vows to each other. Caleb was asked to be the ring bearer. He was so excited to be in their wedding and to bear the rings. He was extra excited to go down the aisle with his cousins (Atira and Emma) who were the flower girls. Here is a picture of their rehearsal.
The chaplain was the lady in the black pants and black/white top standing in front. I have never been to a wedding where the one officiating was a female. She did an excellent job with the marriage, and she had such great things to share with Russ and Melissa. She was a mentor of Melissa's from way back, and she is also a great friend of their family's. Melissa (my new sis-in-law) has been "in the picture" for a long time before my brother caught her. Melissa was a friend of my sister's back when my sister was in High School....so like, over 10 years ago. So, I have known Melissa a long time. It was fun to welcome her into our family permanently.
Here is a few more pictures that I snapped at the rehearsal dinner. They had the dinner at Russell's house. I personally think it was too much on his plate to host the dinner at his house when he was getting married the next day. I could tell he was stressed, and I felt bad for him.
Anyway, here is Caleb and Madelyn with some of their cousins.
Here are "the boys" grilling the meat. Terry (far left), and two of my brothers in the middle and far right.
Here is a picture of the Moms! My mom is on the right side.
Here is a picture of the Dad's. My Dad is on the left side.
Here is Emma and Atira (my nieces) throwing the petals for the Bride. Caleb wasn't able to join them due to his fears. He was a bit nervous to be showcased.
"Here comes the Bride!" She was radiant ~ even when she was crying. Poor Melissa had such an emotional day. She made it, though. :)
My brother has such a great look on his face as he looks at her. He looked great up there, and it seemed as though he was just so giddy! I loved watching him.
Saying their vows.
At least the pictures for the wedding memory book have Caleb in them. Even though he didn't get to walk down the aisle, he still got some great photos of himself in a tux! What a handsome guy!
Here is Miss Madelyn. She loved her pretty pink dress that she wore. While the photos were going on, I did our nails (toe and fingers). She thought that was so fun, and loved to show people her nails.
By the way, I am sad that I didn't get a family photo at all during the day.
My parents look great! I love that they had such a fun day! They are currently in their 51st year of marriage! What an inspiration!
Here is Caleb showing us his muscles. This is his big thing right now. He likes you to comment about how strong he is, and how he is growing.
Here is a picture of 4 of my beautiful nieces. The two in lavender are my brother's daughters (the one that got married). It was fun to see them supporting their Dad and standing up for him and their new mom-in-law.
Here is Nathaniel and my other niece, Adrianna. They had such a blast hanging out together. They are only a year apart in age.
Madelyn loved the frosting on the cake. She was loving the taste. My cousin was cheering her on and getting some good laughs.
It was a great day! The wedding ceremony was beautiful. It started off with a slide show of Russ and Melissa as children, teens, dating each other, and now onto marriage. There were pictures of Russell's daughters in there. I was crying even before the wedding.
My mom's quartet sang for the ceremony, as well as my brother sang. They all did a wonderful job! My mom's quartet also sang for the reception. It is always fun to hear those gals sing! The reception was at a ski and tube place about 20 minutes from the church. The catered meal was delicious, and it was a fun reception....until Caleb got sick and our evening was cut short. Caleb must have had too much sweets and too much running around. He was very tired, too, because he slept the whole way home. He didn't have a "bug" though, because he was fine the next day.
I am so happy for my brother and new sister. It was such a fun day! God bless their marriage!
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It took Madelyn a bit to figure out how to pump the Critter Blaster, but now she is a pro! Caleb was her helper, and after a few times of him filling her critter, now she is doing it all by herself (and she is 2 years old). She loves sticking it down into the bucket of water, pulling up the turtle, and then squirting out the water in a blast! I was surprised at how far these mini squirters could shoot!
Here she is looking for something to aim at.....
She has pretty good aim, too. She loves to do what her brother does. Even if it means aiming at her parents! :) I didn't get a photo of that, but yes, she did get me good.
Caleb absolutely loves to shoot his Dolphin water toy. He enjoys shooting it straight up in the air, which the water ends up hitting me or Terry. That is funny, of coarse.
I love the look on his face here, priceless!
Caleb is filling up the Blaster board here, and getting ready to (try) and shoot at some sea gulls.
Thank you Prime Time Toys for adding more water fun to our summer! We love the toys!
Prime Time Toys has several water toys, and also land toys available. The Critter Blasters are new this year, and have a SRP of $5.99 (recommended for ages 4 and up). The Blaster Board Liquidator has a SRP of $19.99. It is recommended for ages 6 and up. I highly recommend owning a few of the water toys for your trips to the pool or the lake...beware** they will create lots of laughter! :)
Maire
