The Wedding

We have the wedding behind us. As I type the happy couple is on a flight to St. Lucia and beginning their very first of, I pray, thousands of days together as a family. The children did as well as could be expected for excited 5 year olds being watched by a couple of hundred people.

The rehearsal was a little iffy. My R, simply does not like being in front of an audience...especially if he doesn't know exactly what is expected of him.
After a few run throughs he had his part 'down.' P, on the other hand, was good to go and thoroughly understood the mechanics of walking speed, when to line up and what part of the song was his cue. K was able to sit in her 'chariot' as a princess.

The rehearsal was not over until 8, leading to antsy, hungry children by the time the dinner began. We ate and I gave a speech before sneaking our increasingly noisy, wall climbing people out around 9pm. As we exited the building we caught a gorgeous sunset. The children, who RARELY see such sights mistook it for a sunrise. (They see a lot of those.)
"Mama, we have been here ALL NIGHT!!!"

Saturday morning we had to be a the church for picture by 9:15. My nervousness about how R would perform returned as he completely rejected the idea of a top button and a tie. "It is TOO TIIIIGHT!"

Daddy had the situation under control...including the numerous safety pins required to make the tuxedos fit our skinny little guys.
The finished product was simply adorable...and you can bet THIS picture will reappear at K's wedding one day!
The ceremony went very smoothly but for P tap dancing during the opening prayer. (Of course, I had my Mama eyes open and zoned in on what potential shenanigans might unfold in a room full of 200 people with their eyes closed and small children center stage.) P waited until everyone had bowed their heads. I watched him survey the situation, wheels started turning and his expression became gleefully determined as he decided to go for it. His happy little feet went crazy with those flat bottomed shoes and the hard wood pulpit. Many thanks to the groom's brother who pulled a quick 'double shoulder grab and press.' It was a great move for an unmarried, childless male in his 20s. He must have received a few of those of his own as a little boy.

A quick shot of our very relieved family after the ceremony.
K with the beautiful bride.
And the happy groom.
Three kids and an iphone.
We did it!
Chocolate cake and a white dress...we like to live on the wild side. :-)

With Grandmother and Grandaddy after the festivities had ended...P celebrated with untucking!

All the best to Annie & Chris! We are so proud of you!