Going to the Chapel.....Wedding Weekend

A couple of wees ago, Mollie crawled into bed beside me while I was watching Father of the Bride. I love this movie. Not really sure what it is that I love about it. I love the original version as well.

When the movie begins, Steve Martin is in his chair, taking off his shoes and contemplating what brought him to that point. He says something like this, "When I was young, a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet. They fall in love. He buys a ring. She buys a dress. They say I do....." Truer words were never spoken. Its amazing how weddings take on a personality of their own. This was the third wedding in the Osborne house. Caleb and Stephanie finally said, "I do," on Saturday afternoon at Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, TX, after a 16+ month engagement.

We were all in the wedding. I have to say that the week leading up to the wedding just about did me in as we watched the weather forecasts with bated breath. Temperatures were unseasonably cold, and there was a chance of ice and snow. Fortunately, God answered our prayers favorably. The snow went around us, and we were all able to travel to Dallas on Friday morning. I have to say that one of the best decisions we made was to take Brittney Segars with us. There is absolutely no way we would have ever made it without her. She was a HUGE help!

Mollie and Noah were thrilled to discover that our hotel rooms were across the hall from one another. They were so glad to see each other.

The rehearsal was held Friday evening at Prestonwood. It was fun to get to see all of Caleb's friends some of whom we have known for years, some we've met along the way and others were new to us. I think the kids were more than thrilled to be out of the car and to be able to explore a little bit.

Annie was super excited to be free from the car seat and to see her Mimi.


Ellie and Noah at the rehearsal.

After the rehearsal, we headed to La Hacienda Ranch for the rehearsal dinner. It was fun to see family that we have not seen in a while. My dad is originally from Dallas so his dad and step mother were there as well as his two brothers, sister and her family. My cousin (my mom's nephew) and his family were there as well as my dad's best friend and his wife. It was so great to see everyone and to get to celebrate Caleb and Steph. Dinner was amazing! Of course, we love Mexican food. ;) I was super impressed with Ellie. Bless her super-shy little heart, she opened up and talked to my dad's younger brother Drew and a few others. The kids were so good despite being absolute exhausted.

Mollie loved the cupcakes we had for dessert!

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to crash! The next morning, Britt, Kelsey and I took a few minutes and ran to Sam Moon to do a little shopping. There was no way we couldn't have gone especially when it was no more than 2 minutes from our hotel. I love that place!! The rest of the morning was spent fixing hair, gathering clothes and finishing last minute details. With hair and make-up ready, we head to the church to get our (as Mollie says) wedding dresses on. :) During the wedding, the girls and Noah hung out with Britt in Prestonwood's children's play area. Ellie was terrified to walk down the aisle, Mollie wasn't feeling it and it was decided that it might be best if Noah didn't walk down the aisle. :) Annie ended up sleeping the entire time. We told the kids that all we required of them, other than obeying, was to take pictures which they all did.

Annie hung out and played while we got dressed.

Mollie and Ellie with Mandy just before pictures.

Isn't Noah the cutest ring bearer ever??

Noah even shared his goldfish - such a gentleman!

My sweet Ellie

Oh sweet Mollie

Ellie and Mollie with the engaged couple, Kelsey and Micah

Me and Brian after the wedding

Congrats Caleb and Stephanie! Thanks for letting us be a part of your day!

Before the wedding began, I promised my SILs that I wasn't going to cry. I did fine for a while. Then, I teared up. The entire time I kept thinking about the changes to come and that line from the movie. "...And then it hit me, I'll never see her come to the breakfast table in her robe and socks, never again...." There's something special about being the oldest of the kids. I have had the privilege of watching all these special milestones my brothers' have made. I have gotten to have a front-row seat at both Josh's and Caleb's weddings. I get to have it again in July at Micah & Kelsey's wedding. So, the changes to come are good. It's perfect and the way things should be.

By the way, the battery on our camera died and we forgot to take Brian's to the church. Fortunately, Mandy had her camera. Thanks, Mandy for the pics!!