The Big Day - Getting Ready

June 7th was Bethany and Elliot's Big Day. We got ready at the church. The room was a flurry of activity. Ginger worked her magic on the bridesmaids' dresses - Giselle had taken them to Ann Taylor to be pressed. The person who did the "pressing" did not excel in her job. Ginger, home economics extraordinaire pressed them beautifully in harsh conditions! My job was make-up. Bethany is a beautiful lady so make-up application was easy. I also touched up MaryLynn's face. Little girl was happy watching Blue's Clue's on her small DVD player. Big girl loved the earrings Bethany gave her. The boy was given a WebKinz - a big hit.

Rehearsal and Dinner

Bethany and Elliot's wedding rehearsal was like all other rehearsals I've been too. Excited bride and groom. Groomsmen knowing they need to pay attention, but really would rather skip the rehearsal and have the party. Bridesmaids paying attention making sure they know their place and the groomsmen's across from them (because they know the groomsmen didn't listen!). Added to this evening was all three of our kids participating. Our oldest was a Jr. Bridesmaid...she was THRILLED. I all but begged Bethany years ago to have #1 be a flower girl (this was pre-meeting the man of her dreams). Bethany asked children #2 and #3 to be the ring bearer and flower girl, respectively. The boy was not interested until the rehearsal. He really got into the part, but didn't understand why he carried a Bible instead of a pillow like I had been telling him. The youngest...well, those who know her can just imagine. She enjoyed racing up and down the rows more than listening and walking DOWN the isle. Ginger was in charge of getting everyone to their places.

It rained earlier in the day, ruining plans to had the rehearsal dinner outside. Instead, we hung out in the church's cafetorium. We didn't stay long...the boy and little girl were ready for bed.

Waiting for instructions

MaryLynn and John, Bethany's parents

Ginger's sister and Keri's aunt and uncle

Donald and son enjoying a pastry from Starbucks

Jim (Ginger and MaryLynn's brother) traveled to St. Louis, too!

Time to Eat!

The City Museum

After the Boat House we went to the City Museum (Bethany's recommendation). This is the craziest place I've ever been in - http://www.citymuseum.org/. They must pay the city inspectors on the side, because there is NO WAY a place like this could exist in Texas or California (Donald and I had a one main conversation throughout our visit wondering how you'd escape the maze in a fire). Basically it is scraps - a nice term for trash - welded together. It was fun, but I would suggest leaving children under 6 at home. Our little girl, who has no fear, explored without us knowing. We had no idea where she was for a time. Donald (again, many thanks to him) spelunkered in the Underground Whaleway to find her. The museum turns into a nightclub after dark. Apparently there are weekly stories in the paper telling how drunk individuals get stuck and the fire department is called to the rescue. We did have a fun time. My favorite was the 3 story slide!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary June 5th in St. Louis. (Yep, I was 12 when I got married...) Donald and Giselle (and child) met us at the Boat House for lunch. Bethany and Elliot were planning to meet us there as well, but had emergency wedding issues. We had a lovely lunch - I recommend the SLT (salmon, lettuce and tomato) sandwich. The little kids enjoyed staring at each other.