Wedding trip!

So, about 3 weeks ago, we boarded a plane, and headed to Chicago for my brother Michael's wedding. It was a lovely time with family, and a good chance for me to see old friends I hadn't seen in a very long time. We flew out on a Friday, since the tickets were cheaper, and spent that night with my friend Alyse, and her 4 kids. She also has 2 dogs and a small horse (mastiff), so Timothy was in heaven. Airplanes, kids, and dogs to play with, who wouldn't be? =)

Saturday, we headed to the other side of Chicago to meet up with my parents before the rehearsal dinner. We had a few hours to kill, and Timothy thoroughly enjoyed exploring every nook and cranny of our hotel room. That, and hanging out with Santa and Lady. =)

The rehearsal dinner was absolutely delicious! As was our breakfast the next 2 mornings. The hotel chef where we stayed was amazing, and kept everyone happy and very full. =) Michael and Karina shared some sweet thoughts, as did the fathers, and then my Mom served tea for everyone. (It's her obsession, and it goes everywhere with her.) There was a green tea, and oolong tea, and fruit tea for the pregos and children (and anyone else who wanted it.) Timothy thought it wa great that Lady gave him drink like a big boy!

The next day was busy, but not too busy. The wedding was at four, so everyone enjoyed a leisurely breakfast (see reference to chef above)
and then the wedding party went off to take pictures all over Chicago, and we went to church.

We had to wake Timothy up from his nap to make it to the wedding, so he was a little groggy for part of the ceremony, but that probably helped him keep still. That and the fact that it was short. My Dad performed the ceremony, and it was beautiful and to the point, just as the happy couple requested. The ceremony was outdoors, ina gazebo, which reminded me of my parents wedding photos, where my grandfather performed that ceremony. =)

After the recieving line and a few more pictures, we took the little ones back to the hotel room with a sitter, and rejoined the festivities. Food, friends, fun, and lots of music and dancing was the order of the evening, and we had a great time.

I loved seeing Michael and Karina and their joy on this day. They are so sweet together, and compliment each other so well. I look forward to having Karina as a permanent part of our family. And Michael looked like he was about to burst. It was great! At one point or another, everyone was out on the floor, (although my parents it was a little as possible) but I think the highlight of the dancing that evening, was watching the groom perform his Napolean Dynamite dance. I'm not a fan of the movie, but that was really funny. =)

The next day, we enjoyed an early breakfast with my parents, before heading to the airport. Then the day went quickly downhill. Due to various circumstances, most beyond our control, we missed our flight, and ended up waiting on standby for 8 hours. We were tired, but thankfully, Timothy did really well, even if we didn't want to chase him all over the airport... But we finally made it home about 11 or 12 hours later than planned, and we were very glad to be home. We needed to rest up from our vacation.. =)