Celebration

Remember this guy?

Well, he's hitched! The ceremony was gorgeous and moving, everyone was beautiful, and a fun time was had by all before, during, and after.

Zoe and Grandma waving at the farmers

playing with Grandpa's hat

hanging out on the front porch

We decided to drive out there this time, as Zoe's hit that magical age where she no longer flies for free. Who has the money to buy three airline tickets? Certainly not us, the Renovators. She's probably flown more in the first two years of her life than she will the next ten. So for the price of one airline ticket, though considerably more time, we drove there and back. On the way there we started right before bedtime, and drove straight on through morning.

Ugh.

Let me repeat.

Ugh.

Us drivers could not wait for that sun to show it's pretty little head, in the midst of Memphis traffic. (Which, by the way, the bridge over the Mississippi on a major interstate? It's down to one lane, only 11 feet wide. In both directions. Yipee. Try doing that on no sleep.) Zoe did decide to sleep from about 9pm to 2:30am. After that, though, pretty touch-and-go on all fronts. Thus, the plan of the non-driver sleeping while Zoe slept did not work. We were thankful to get to Grandma and Grandpa's house, and even more thankful for naptime.

Martha's brother rehearses holding a bouquet

A few days later, the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner (and drinks out with cousins and the groom), and the following day the wedding and reception. I had the honor of standing next to my brother as he and Martha said their vows. The ceremony was performed by someone they had known for over 10 years, which meant it was meaningful and specific to their lives. I think everyone watching cried at some point. Thankfully, my dress had pockets, which meant that Matt was able to get a tissue for his own tears. A neighbor from our old house was able to watch Zoe during the ceremony, which allowed Kyle and I to both able enjoy the ceremony. In the rush and emotion of everything, though, we of course forgot to provide her with snacks, which meant during the photos post-ceremony she was a bit cranky. Nothing that PB&Js at the reception (can you tell there were a fair amount of the smaller-age set anticipated to be in attendance?) couldn't help.

a beautiful bride and her handsome groom
(and us too)

Zoe wearing her second dress of the morning.
Yes, I'm glad I brought two!

And then the newlyweds were off - a classy hotel downtown and a beach-side week-long honeymoon. The rest of our extended family gathered at Grandma and Grandpa's house for a huge bonfire, dinner, drinks, and merriment.

there was a fair amount of cheering
over the Wisconsin game that night

On the way back we opted to drive 1/3 of the way, stop for the night around midnite, and then continue on the next morning. Little One, however, was completely out of sorts when we stopped at the hotel, proceeding with a fit for about a 1/2 hour, followed by delirious happiness and really wet kisses for an hour until sleep finally met us halfway. Mom, Dad, and Zoe slept in the formation of an 'H' in a king bed Kyle drew the short end of the stick with Zoe's feet stuck in his back all nite, but we survived. (Thankfully) Zoe was getting sick so she slept for about half of the remainder of the ride the next day. We were all glad to be home, and she perked up a few days later, back in her routine.

A truly memorable weekend. Congratulations Matt and Martha. Thank you for sharing your day with us.