*whew* I just looked through all my pictures. There’s no way I can show you everything I want. There’s no way you’re going to want to look at everything I have. But I’ll give you a few and then try to upload some to my flickr for the really bored interested.
When we got to the hotel my whole family was out in the parking lot on their way to dinner with the bride’s family. So, they got to see us in all our rumpled glory. I started making the rounds, hugging and squealing with each new family member. Lydia was in my arms and with each new person she clung tighter and tighter to me. That was the start of Lydia’s Vacation o’ Terror. The rest of the week, I was the only one that could hold her. She was terrified of every man in my family. She wailed screamed like a banshee cried during at least 2 meals. It was unbelievable.
But when we got up to our hotel room, she was so excited, she and Nora started dancing!
The next 2 days we basically hung out at the hotel, ate a ton of food and went shopping. But hey, anything is fun when you’re with family you haven’t seen in awhile. Here’s Lydia hanging out with 2 of my cousins. Aren’t they sweet?!
The rehearsal dinner was great and they even had a dance floor. So, even though I can’t won’t don’t dance Lydia was not afraid! She had so much fun and even danced on her Daddy’s toes. (Don’t worry, he is SO getting that picture for Father’s Day!)
The rehearsal dinner made me cry though (yeah, like cry enough to make my mom, my bro and 2 of my aunts ask what was wrong!) I was watching everyone dance. My guy cousins dancing with my girl cousins. Little girl cousins dancing with my uncles. It was so sweet. I’m the first cousin. And when I was born, all my aunts lived in Georgia. So they doted on me as the first grandkids/niece. Then they moved to California, got married and had all my cousins–all 14 of them. While my brother and I were the lone Georgia cousins. Growing up, we saw them few and far between. And I feel like I love them as much as they love each other. Yet, I couldn’t walk up to my teenage cousin and dance with him. I couldn’t let my uncle spin me around the dance floor. We just don’t have that long of a relationship–even though the love is there. It is very much a hole in my heart where those relationships should be. I miss them all the time!
The wedding was outside at a park. It was really pretty, overlooking a lake with a dock. It was a small wedding with just family and a few friends. Here’s my aunt, the mom-of-the-groom and the groom, my cousin Caleb. Isn’t he cute? (He and Lydia have the same birthday!)
This is a picture of my dad and his 4 sisters. I’m including it because you can see how insanely happy he is to be with his sisters. And since I’ve been sharing so many pictures of his family for Wordless Wednesday, I thought you might like to look for some family resemblences. (The sister on the far left is his step-sister, so you won’t find too much resemblence there–just the same love!)
And the obligatory picture with the bride and groom. Welcome to the family, Meagan!
Vacation Part 3 coming soon. I know you’re excited!!
says
Oh Amanda- I would have danced with you! It makes me sad too that we are so far apart. But you are right-the love is there. I still think you guys need to have Christmas in California!
Natalie 🙂
says
I’m so glad you shared your vacations and although I am coming in late to read both vacation I and the sequel, I thoroughly enjoyed both. Your girls are AdorAble!!! and it looks like such a fun trip.
says
Gosh, wonderful photos and such beautiful children, and family members. These are just great, you all looked like you had such a wonderful time 🙂
says
weddings…such fun.
says
What a great trip and you looked beautiful, Amanda. Your whole family, actually 🙂 I love Lydia’s I love Jesus shirt! Where did you find that?! 🙂