GOING TO THE CHAPEL

Uncle M and Miss J were married this weekend! The day was absolutely beautiful ... amazing weather, one gorgeous bride, one handsome groom, and love all around!

Although JP was a perfect ring bearer for Uncle J's wedding in July, I tried to emphasize to Uncle M and Miss J that JP's execution of the ring bearer role may not turn out the same way. This time, JP was the bigger kid ... and he was in charge of pulling AA in a wagon! To be completely honest, I was predicting nothing but disaster on the wedding day. Lil' AA doesn't ever want to sit still ... especially when it comes to wagons. She's always trying to crawl out when we go for wagon rides at home. I decided to keep my mouth shut and go along with Miss J's vision to have the ring bearer pull the little flower girl down the aisle.
I was pleasantly surprised on the night of the wedding rehearsal. JP took the wagon and did exactly as he was told. Fast. FAST. REALLY FAST. While the rest of the wedding party was chuckling, I was terrified. Although AA sat perfectly still while being pulled, I was so worried she would fall out and knock her head from the speed of JP's ride. JP practiced his role a few times (and learned how to SLOW down) and then the kids retired early.

(Well, first AA had to hear a pep talk from Grandma K about being a good little flower girl.)

AA woke up early in our hotel room full of smiles.

A's parents were with us all weekend to help with the kids while A and I were busy with our own bridesmaid/groomsman festivities. I am forever grateful for their dedication to my kids during this wedding! Grandma S and Grandpa J managed to keep the kids on a relatively normal napping and eating schedule while living out of a hotel room! They transported the kids all over and helped get them dressed in their adorable wedding outfits. And ... they successfully coaxed them to walk down the aisle! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to actually see what transpired (since I was already in the front of the church), but I witnessed everyone's expressions. When it was time, Grandma S placed AA in he wagon, and off JP went ... he made it about one third of the way down the aisle and decided to turn around. At that point I saw Grandma S wave JP down again. Grandpa A stepped out of the church pew and motioned for JP to walk towards the front. That must have worked ... the next thing I could see was everyone leaning towards the center aisle and smiling. The congregation oohed and aahed ... and the pastor actually gave permission for everyone to clap once the kids made it to the front. AA didn't fall out! I was so proud! I hope someone was able to capture this on video (or at least with photos ... I barely had my camera with me all day!).

AA just loves being with her mommy and daddy!

What a beautiful couple!

Miss J officially became Aunt J! We couldn't be happier!

JP and AA love Aunt K too!

AA babbled to Great Grandma H:

And it's over. We've had such a busy year with these two weddings. I'm so lucky to have two amazing brothers with new amazing wives. My kids are blessed to have so many loving aunts and uncles. I'm hopeful that in a small little part of JP's brain, he'll be able to remember being a ring bearer this year!