Just a typical morning in our house...

These girls love to dance and can literally spend the whole morning doing this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxCfeDfqDOc

the new Mr. and Mrs.

Uncle Brad and AUNT Alex got married. Two weeks ago, we celebrated with them as they said "I do", then we all danced the night away. Everything about the day was beautiful and we were truly honored to be a part of it. I am thrilled to officially call Alex my sister-in-law and the girls' aunt. Abby can't really figure out what has changed though because Alex has always been her aunt and an important part of her life from the beginning. I love that!

The weekend started with a fun night at the rehearsal dinner.

Joe and Nana

my love

Grammy and G-Diddy

Momma and her boy the night before he got married

 

 

last night before they say "I do"

brothers

trash can shower

Joe was one of the best men. I was a bridesmaid. Abby was the flower girl and did a beautiful job. We knew she was taking the role very seriously in the weeks leading up to the big day, but weren't really sure what she would do when she was standing at the end of an aisle with a sea of smiling faces staring back at her. But, she responded to the situation exactly the way that Abby would. She walked gracefully down the aisle in her pretty princess dress, eyes locked on her daddy the entire time with a big smile across her face. She dutifully threw some petals down with each step she took. When she got to the end of the aisle, she still had petals in her basket. She didn't panic. Being her responsible self and wanting to do the job well, she thought leaving anything in her basket would be wrong. So, she turned around and flipped her basket over, dumping every last petal onto the floor. It was priceless. It couldn't have been sweeter. My heart was overflowing as I watched my little girl do something that was so big for her and do it in a way that showcased every bit of her personality. I couldn't hold it in. I was standing in the front crying happy tears before the bride even appeared. By the time Brad and Alex were reading their vows to each other, I was definitely glad I chose to wear waterproof mascara that morning.

Ella sat in the back row with Mary (thank you!!), who volunteered to feed her M&Ms during the ceremony, so she would sit quietly.  It worked! We may never know if her endless dancing and attempts at the worm on the dance floor were her spunkiness unleashed or a serious sugar high! :)

all dressed up and ready to go

Ella didn't have to get ready quite as early, but she couldn't refuse the opportunity for a photo op when she saw Abby taking one.

 

the kiddos

the new Mr. and Mrs.

 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jl_QzDkET50

The cake was beautiful. Abby ran to it from across the room. She just couldn't resist. I stopped her just in time. Thankfully, the only damage was her sweet little fingerprint.

 

pretty centerpieces

Ella did not want to be held. She only wanted to be dancing.

the worm?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dweLkb-91pk

my girl

The only break Abby took from dancing was in between salad and dinner when she saw the lemon sorbet. In addition to polishing off hers, she made it her mission to find any uneaten ones. After scoping out three tables, she made her way back to the dance floor.

our family

my precious girl

 

mom and her boy

the end of the night. The girls literally danced until they dropped.

true wedding crashers?

And maybe one of the most perfect pictures of all...

After the girls slept in later then they ever have in their lives, we slowly recovered in bed the morning after an amazing night of celebrating.

Two weeks later (and by request), I asked Abby some questions about her experience at Uncle Brad and Aunt Alex's wedding. I decided to video tape her response to remember years from now. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCsC9PCQLTI

Congratulations Brad and Alex! We love you guys!

Wake up, Abby!

This is what happens in our house when Ella wakes up from her nap before Abby. She just misses her sister so much.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7vnIfoGpQTg

Things I always want to remember about this moment when I watch this video years from now:

• how much my girls truly adore each other and the sweet bond they have shared since the beginning
• how Abby can make her neat room look like a twister has blown through it by lunch time
• Ella's laugh 
• Abby's precious sleeping face 
• Ella's wobbly beginner's walk/run

Boo!

A little glimpse at our post-dinner silliness! This squeal could turn anyone's frown upside down:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsHogpWKI-g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQHwMEuWZZA

Family BBQ

We had a great time spending time with family at my Aunt Charlene and Uncle Vic's house last weekend. It was a beautiful afternoon at one of my favorite places.

Bells loves her Grandma

Abby playing with her cousins 

I rode this car around when I was a little kid! 

Abby and Emily 

playing baseball for the first time 

It might be time for some backyard tee ball. 

Aunt Charlene showing Ella the ropes.

little Billy and Peanut 

Susan and Ella 

so many memories of great meals shared in this kitchen sitting on those stools and Ella took her seat for the very first time

There girls know how to enjoy their chocolate! 

Cousin buddies!

cousins

I love being with my girls as they make memories in the places and with the people I grew up with!