KARI’S WEDDING!!

Kari and Jon are such an awesome couple – We had been looking forward to the wedding since February when they got engaged! Since the big event was on a Friday, we headed towards Baton Rouge Thursday mid morning to help out with whatever needed to be done, check in our hotel and get ready for the rehearsal dinner.  We arrived at Kari’s house, gave a helping hand with the welcome bags for the hotels… Here’s mom delivering them:

Our kids are just obsessed with staying in hotels..  they get so excited!  As soon as we checked in they were picking beds – Oh I should mention we left Julia in Lake Charles with my mother in law for the 2 days/nights.  We missed her dearly, but honestly it was the best thing we could have done.  Her presence would have only been for the 5 minutes of picture taking after the wedding and it just wasn’t worth all the complicated-ness of having a baby there with ALL the activity and business of mama… Sorry we didn’t take you Julia!! but I promise your Nana loved her one on one time with you.  Man having 2 kids is SO easy now that we know what having three is like.  LOL.

After we got settled in, hit up the gas station for some hotel room junk food, it was time to get ready and go! Audrey had her outfit picked out for months, literally.  I had something equally adorable for William, but he was not cooperating.  Being that I knew I HAD to fight that battle the next night with the tuxedo, we let it slide, I know he looks fine.. just a little sloppier than I would have liked him to be but, whatever, really – he was at the church for just a bit and then the babysitter came to grab them.

Here they are with their “tada” the Bride!

Me and my seeester… I couldn’t have been more happy for her!  (I had my dress picked out for months too.)

After the rehearsal we headed the Faculty club for the dinner – the food was insanely good!

My mom with her best buds… They are such GREAT girlfriends and are there for each other like you would not believe! My mom was sooooooo taken back by all of their generosity, they blessed her all weekend long.

My brother, Matt, Me, Kari and Mom .. (Where’s dad?!)– This weekend was the first time we had all been together since Christmas and the last time until next summer. Only one weekend out of a year and a half. BOO. For several reasons this summer just couldn’t work out where we’d all be in the same place at the same time.   Hopefully we can make up for it next summer.

The night was full of great food, great wine, laughter, memories and tears (I was such a sissy baby, couldn’t count how many times I cried that weekend! happy tears).  We had an awesome time, it was better than we ever imagined.  We got some sleep and woke up singing “HERE COMES THE BRIDE!” What a big day we had ahead of us… We started it off with a breakfast downstairs and a surprise visit from my sister… yay!

We got breakfast done in enough time to head to Juban’s and set up for the Bridesmaids Luncheon I was hosting with my aunt Liz.  The table setting came out so cheery and girly.. just as I had planned!

Here is an up-close of the place setting  -we didn’t leave the placemat hanging off like that, I swear.

Everything went smoothly, the food was great, conversation flowed and it was relaxed and laid back – just what we needed! For those of you that know what ‘cake pulls’ are.. I pulled the crab: for Crabby Old Lady.  pahhahah. 

After the luncheon, I headed to the hotel, hugged William, grabbed Audrey,  collected my dress and some essentials for the wedding/reception and off we went to Jon’s parents’ house – this is where all the girls were getting ready since it is very close to the church.  We all took turns getting our hair and make up done.. so fun.

Audrey thought she was SUCH big stuff.  She even had a matching monogramed button down like the big girls.  I caught her trying to negotiate some make up a few times with the lady.. sheesh.  She was so thrilled to be a part of it all and I know she will NEVER forget it all.

Anyone need a flower girl dress?! this one is in perfect condition in LC – I’ll sell it to ya.  {Beautiful! from Pageen}

How gorgeous/STUNNING is Kari’s wedding dress?!!!! She made such a lovely bride

I don’t have any pictures past this point – but oh my word, the church was packed, the ceremony was beautiful – BOTH of my kids actually made it down the aisle (flower girl/ring bearer) without any major drama,  I was ugly crying as my dad walked my sister down the aisle.. not that big a deal except for being up on the altar without a tissue.. it was not pretty. ha. The reception was the best one I had EVER been to…  the band was rocking, food was amazing, drinks flowing, SO many people there – I’m telling ya it was an AWESOME party… only hiccup was that William was terrified and clingy and Audrey was upset about something and crying causing a scene.. oh the drama-  After about 30 minutes we got her happy happy again, but William was totally overwhelmed by it all and would not leave my side, who am I kidding, he was hanging onto my leg like it was a tree trunk and wanted to be no where near the loud music.  I called the sitter we had ‘on-call’ and got him outta there, he was ruining the night for me. MAYDAY!! MAYDAY!!.. By the time she got there it was 10:30 and we only had one more hour left.. wahhhh!  I found Audrey boogy-ing on the dance floor and she had been the whole time– LOL THAT’S MY GIRL!!!  I  joined in on the dance floor.. Audrey danced until the reception was over and had an absolute blast… So did we – It was SO FUN… I could have stayed all night!!!

The very next day was Audrey’s birthday – my big girl is now 7 – not sure where the time has gone, each year whips around faster and faster.  Due to our extreme exhaustion, we had two low key celebrations instead of one big hoorah. 

First one was at Nana and Papa’s house

Second one was the next day at Mere and Cappy’s house – if you’re wondering what she’s wearing, it is a veterinary costume that my SIL gave her – she loves it since ‘that is what she want’s to be when she grows up’  and is planning on wearing it for Halloween… she is hinting at a pop star.. so the jury is still out on her decision.

Julia and Mere at our birthday dinner – Audrey requested her  favorite meal {Thanksgiving - same as mine}: Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce and Sweet Potatoes. 

The kids had a blast with the new fun toys and activities Audrey received.  Early this same day Charles traveled to the Philippines for work and then flew back a few days later to grab us up and go back to Abu Dhabi.  Those last few days are a little blurry as I try to remember… I tried to start packing a little earlier, to avoid the last minute scramble, but somehow we still scrambled…  All I can say is goodbyes are SO HARD… we miss everyone dearly – the time difference makes it such a challenge for live communication.  During ‘witching’ hour is the only time that matches up – Anyone that  has kids knows the extreme difficulty of casual chatting during the feeding, bathtime, bedtime routine.  on a positive note.. we just got news that my in-laws are going to be visiting us!! So thrilled to show them this lifestyle, culture and everything Abu Dhabi has to offer!!

The wedding was the absolute highlight of our summer – I want to thank Kari and Jon for allowing us to be a part of such a special occasion and considering our summer schedule when planning… It was such an amazing memory for my McFamily as well as our entire Viator family + extended family.  It was incredible!