WEDDING REPORT

centerpiece
on the deck
family at the temple
Brandon and Sam

WEDDING REPORT:

Fam-a-lee,

After driving through TORRENTIAL rain, we returned to Raleigh and caught our flight to the West. We arrived in Seattle and spent the night at a hotel. (It was the Doubletree, and they give out free, warm, chocolate chip cookies at check-in – yum!) Saturday we drove down to Portland without problems and arrived at the temple in time to walk around and take some pictures. There were quite a few wedding parties around and Kacy and I were checking out their color schemes and bridesmaids dresses.

Bryan and I went into the waiting chapel while the kids waited outside, eventually meeting up with Sarah’s kids and Meg. Elizabeth’s father is a sealer in the Houston TX temple and was able to get special permission to perform this family sealing in a different temple. That was very special to have him do that. The ceremony was quick, so then we waited outside for the bride and groom. Don’t they look cute? There was some picture taking and I was trying to figure out who was family or friend, but we were getting hungry so we left to find food. Katy Ramika told us about “Chevy’s” Mexican and we found it on our trusty GPS, right close by.

Another drive down to Roseburg and check in to another hotel. We went over to the house in the evening and tried to help during the reception. Gavin carried a tray around picking up dirty plates and silverware; I washed dishes and held Owen; Kacy and Katy danced with Clara and visited. The yard was lovely and Elizabeth had set candles around in pretty holders and pots of purple petunias. She even had a “kids table” set up like Bu would do, with Oreos, Graham Crackers, M&Ms and juice boxes. All three kids loved it, as well as a number of adults.

Elizabeth’s brother Jamie was there with his wife and daughters, along with Elizabeth’s parents. Sam’s parents were there, her sister, Kacy (spelled differently) and her husband, and a brother, Jake. Also one of her uncles and his wife. We tried to talk with both families and enjoyed being there. We all helped fold up chairs and tables when it was over and said our goodbyes. Brandon and Elizabeth both appreciated us being there and were very grateful.

A funny thing happened with church. Bryan had typed in our hotel address looking for the nearest chapel, since he had that address. We checked with Elizabeth that church was at 10 a.m. and said we’d see her then. So we went to church but no one else was there, and no one else came in, and on the program (of the Roseburg Ward) we did not see Todd Clawson listed with the other missionaries. Hmmm??? Turns out there are FOUR wards in Roseburg, and TWO chapels, and we were in the wrong one! Who’d have thunk that Roseburg would have two chapels within a mile of each other! We went to their house afterward and we all had a good laugh. As Jayce said, “They’re almost as true as us.” Elizabeth generously packed us up with sandwiches and snacks for the car and we were off.

Katy Marika was a pleasant traveler, no whining or fussing and very tolerant of our silly family jokes and car games. We took her to her friend’s house in Eugene, so she is on her way to new adventures! To help pass the time, we listened to all the Sunday shows: My Turn on Earth, Saturday’s Warrior’s, and Joseph. The kids sang along and acted out as best as possible with a seatbelt on.

There you have it. Kristine’s report on Brandon’s wedding, so you can feel like you were there, too.

And now my blog is the longest! (And it has pictures.)