Let us go then, you and I: June Wedding

Yikes--I'm so behind in posting my pictures! How many posts can I cram into the last week in August? Or perhaps more to the point, how much time will I have to devote to blogging this next week?

Enough questions. I'd better get down to business if I'm ever to share pictures of the last few months. So here goes with a smattering of pictures from Daniel and Lauren's wedding. (I posted about the rehearsal, but not the wedding. Their professional pictures are beautiful, but unfortunately I didn't download any before the photographer took them all off her site. So here are some from our camera.)

Lovely little stream!

I think I mentioned before that Daniel and Lauren chose a beautiful spot in Sedona (or really Oak Creek--just a little north of Sedona). Unfortunately the day turned out to be quite hot--103 was the high, and the wedding was at 3 p.m. in full sun. As you can see, the kids got plenty sweaty before the ceremony began . . .

I waited till the last minute to change them into their "wedding clothes," as they called them. And even then, I trembled lest they fall, run, fight, climb, or otherwise engage in shenanigans in the walk from the bathroom to the meadow spot where the ceremony was held. Thankfully they made it there and even waited their turn without mussing their clothing.

Despite the changes in her schedule, lots of new people, and heat, Clara behaved beautifully. She happily went with Desiree (family friend from Uzbekistan days) and her husband, Kevin, while I readied the other children and coached them down the aisle and then kept them subdued during the ceremony. I was so thankful for Clara's easy-going nature and for Desiree and Kevin's generous help!

E with Lala on the left, Kez with Des on the right

Aunt Barbara and Grandma (sisters)

Aunt Barbara and Aunt Bonnie

Josiah, Lydia, and Abby enjoyed their moment in the spotlight as they walked up the aisle. Josiah was disappointed not to be entrusted with any rings, but he carried his empty pillow like a man. :) Lydia and Abby faithfully threw their flowers, and L tried to make them come out even (so as to have enough to throw all the way to her seat).

Abby

But of course, you want to see the bride and groom, too:

James and Justin did the music

They were excited to be wed!

Lauren's brother Tim officiated, and he cut the ceremony short because of the heat. Afterwards came pictures and hors d'oeuvres and lots of water.

Two of our favorites!

Our children were all about the snacks. They gobbled up fruit, crackers, and cheese and were "still hungry" when we got in the car to head back to Flagstaff for the reception.

Abby and Clara

Then we loaded up and drove back up the winding road and over the rim to Flagstaff for the reception. I sat in the car for awhile with sleeping girls, but eventually we joined everyone at the restaurant patio for some good food and lots of dancing . . .

Abby

Lydia in her signature pose

Real best men wear babies

Jer giving his dreaded speech and toast

Pa and Grandma

Josiah long anticipated the cake and watched it with an eagle eye when it appeard.

Meanwhile, everyone kept dancing and dancing . . . and when we finally rounded the kids up to drive back to Pa and Grandma's house, we were all exhausted.