Mawage is what bwings us togever today.....

The wedding is over...done...finito!  All of the planning, details, arrangements and craziness is over and, I must say, the day went off pretty much perfectly.  The weather fined up nicely and it was sunny and much warmer than earlier in the week.

Jonny looked the very picture of a handsome groom.....

...and Kristen just glowed from the inside out!

I was disappointed when I went through my pics because I didn't get a close-up photo of the two of them together : - (  I was just snapping pics wherever I could without an obvious plan (obviously)!

Despite our nervousness, Heath and I sang "I Will Be Here".  We got lots of positive feedback so we felt that it came off better than it sounded from our end.

The photographers were absolutely amazing!  They were the most laid-back, non-intrusive photogs I had ever seen.  They didn't try to control everything and just went with the flow and captured the shots as they developed.  Matt set up a great 'cousin' shot!

I caught this shot of the guys arriving at the swan pond on campus.  I think it is my favorite one of the day.  They all look so cool and debonair!

It was a very long day but the reception room was beautifully decorated and had lots of atmosphere.  A good day was had by all!

Showers of blessings....

Things hit a fevered pitch in the week prior to Kristen and Jonny's wedding!!  Since she could only be here for two weeks, everything had to be fit into a very short time frame.  Lots of 'to-do' items and showers to fit into the schedule.

Shower #1 was hosted by Eunice and Kayla on the Island.  Jennifer, Clara, Heather and I drove to Sackville where we switched vehicles and hopped in with Elaine, Karissa and Selina.  It was an even more enjoyable trip to be all together on the way there and back.  I truly love my family and it warms my heart to see what lovely young ladies my nieces are growing into.

Kristen was 'kitted out' in a lovely frock : - )

Jonny joined us via Skype to help set up one of the crazy shower games.  I know this pic is blurry but it makes me smile!! 

Our designing skills came into play when we had to design and make a dress out of....papier toilette (sounds so much nicer than toilet paper)!!  She got lots of lovely gifts....and tons of Paderno goodies!!

Shower #2 was held at Mom & Dad's house - hosted by Heath (who all of the girls seem to feel is part of their extended family circle).  Poor Kristen was put through the wringer...first we made her wear a doily from the back of the chair????

Some of our funniest friends joined us and threw themselves wholeheartedly into the fun and games!  Funny friends are a delight : - )

Shower games are a cruel and unusual punishment!!

Things are progressing very quickly towards THE day!  Kristen is staying quite calm in the midst of all of the chaos...and constant Skype conversations with Jonny and Janet : - )  The weather is supposed to warm up to 20 C and sunny but, regardless of the weather, I know that they will be two extremely happy people!

Labour Day Traditions

Another Labour Day weekend has come and gone.  They say that the older you get, the faster time goes...and I'm beginning to see what 'they' mean!  Older...in body, perhaps, but not in mind. 

Our tradition for the past 6 years is to head to the cot-taj after the end of Daily Vacation Bible School to regroup and recoup.  Our regular group of Brian, Michelle, Heath, Dave and I was joined by our niece, Kristen.  We named her "The Seal" after the first day or so of deep barking coughs as she tried to get over her cold before her, quickly approaching, wedding.

Traditions can be a wonderful thing and this is one that brings all sorts of delightful pleasures.  Once we hit the cottage, there are no schedules, no responsibilities and no requirements...except to make (and eat) meals.  You want to nap three times in one day? Walk the beach looking for beach glass? Read until your eyes are crossed? Watch movie after movie after....?  Whatever floats your boat!!

The nice thing about this weekend each year, is that we don't need good weather to have a good time.  Tropical Storm Earl rushed through on Saturday with lots of wind and rain but we stayed cozy inside the cottage, reading and playing games.  Since the power was out all afternoon, we were wondering if we were going to have to read by candlelight that night but the power came back on just as we were finishing supper.

It is a time to just relax and wind down from a busy week.  We are blessed to have our wonderful cottage to go to and such a fabulous beach to enjoy.

I think this was about a half hour after we finished unloading the car!!

Heath showing Kristen a video

Couldn't resist putting this one on!  Brian and Michelle loading the dishwasher after supper on Friday.

Tropical Storm Earl begins to make his presence known!

During the storm

I've never seen the wind so strong that it blows the water back off the tops of the waves

Heather, the intrepid photographer after the worst of the storm had passed.

It was awesome to watch the waves roll in

The next morning dawned bright and sunny

The storm had made some really crazy patterns in the sand

Beach shot

Brian getting ready for meeting on Sunday morning

Monday morning...sunshine, beach glass and good reads!