May Madness!!

Another week has come and gone.  May is an especially busy month around here.  So much going on.  Last week was our oldest daughter, Gennifer's birthday.  Being that it was on a school night for the kids, we didn't get to celebrate with her.  We did go by for a little while after Greg got home from work, but they had made plans for the day.  I really hate not being with my kids on their birthdays!  She turned 33.  OUCH!  For me, not her!  And our middle daughter turned 31 on Sunday.  She and her family went up to Big Bear for the weekend, and we were to join them for the day.  The weekend was very busy.  We went to a beautiful wedding on Saturday night for the son of some of our very best friends in the world.  We have known them for many years.  I went to high school with his Mom and Dad.  Zachary and Danielle had a rustic wedding, held in a beautiful old home in downtown Orange.  The ceremony was performed by a family friend.  And afterwards, we all made our way to the backyard of the home for a lovely dinner and reception.  I loved the elements and colors that they used for their reception.  Their little one came pedaling down the path on this vintage red trike, proudly bearing the rings that would unite his Mommy and Daddy in marriage.

The bride and groom looked elegant, and were spilling over with happiness.

Attention was paid to every detail.  There was a charming cookie bar that immediately called my name!!

The guests were all assigned to tables identified by the States.  We were at the Washington table.   Rustic license plates, next to a sunny posy of sunflowers, bluebonnets and mini daisies, in Mason Jars, all set atop a rustic wooden platform, surrounded by tea lights that were tucked inside pails that were hole punched with their last name initial.  Zach and Danielle did all of this themselves.

 

The cake was a classic three tier square, also set atop a rustic wooden platform that Zach made.  The top and bottom were iced smooth, and the middle had tiny cornelli lace.  There were antique doilies everywhere to accent the theme, as well as burlap and twine to hang buntings and banners.

The tablecloth that the covered the cake table was exquisite.  Hanging above the cake was a frame, with each of their initials suspended from the top in twine, and then the initial of their last name in the middle, was covered in moss.  It was so beautiful.

The bridesmaids were wearing royal blue short dresses, each with cowboy boots.  Danielle wore an ivory colored strapless gown that fit her petite frame like a glove.  Her waist length hair was done up in an elegant side swept bun and braid, with soft tendrils loose around  her face.  For the reception, she took it down, to reveal the more natural loose waves she is used to.  She too wore a gorgeous pair of cowboy boots, but I only saw them when Zach hiked her dress above  her knees for the garter acquisition.  

As daylight faded, the backyard was illuminated by low hanging twinkly lights, and paper lanterns.  It was magical!!

The old house had a charming little cottage in the back, which I fell in love with.

And these old carriage style garage doors, are exactly what I want for our garage!  LOVE!

There were antique iron tubs that held water and soda that added to the charm and vintage appeal, as well as an open bar.  

Zach also made this barn wood piece and painted it brown.  There were metallic pens nearby for everyone to use in signing a message to the bride and groom.

Every little thing was done with careful perfection.  And all of it together, made for a truly beautiful wedding and reception.

It was perfect!  So happy to have been part of it!!!

The next morning, we headed up to Big Bear. Erika and her family were already there, and it was her 31st Birthday!  We planned to bring the boat up, but it was having a problem starting, so we left it until we can get it looked at.  Off we went, up the hill.  It was beautiful.  The Sweet Broom was brilliant and blooming everywhere!

We went to visit our friends, Mike and Lee.  Mike was nice enough to give all the kids a boat ride.

I enjoyed a few moments on the porch swing.

Gennifer and Jake took a canoe ride.

We enjoyed the beautiful lake from their dock.

We went back to the cabin and did some snacking.

And relaxing.

And there may have been a nap or two taken.

We had a bbq, and birthday brownies, and Blanca's amazing pie.  

And drove home.  Hoping to get the boat in the water before our annual 4th of July celebration up there!

Monday/Memorial Day. we had to do our yards.  And then we were invited next door for swimming and a bbq.  It was a busy and fun weekend.  We flew our flag, and thought of those men and women who served and are serving this great country of ours.  And we gave thanks.

See you soon.

XO  Kris