Family Weekend - Day 3

Saturday, April 17

Today was the reason the whole family had gathered together from all across the country - Meredith and Josh's wedding day! I was fortunate enough to be a bridesmaid, while Douglas was able to walk Meredith down the aisle and give her away (what a special moment that was; I got all teary-eyed.) What a fun experience for me to walk down the aisle, too. I've been a bridesmaid before, but it was for a temple wedding, so no walking down the aisle there. Congratulations, Meredith and Josh! (Meredith McBride, doesn't that have a nice ring to it?)

Emme and Claire hanging out in the dressing room while everyone got ready

Douglas and Meredith - so sweet!

I am directly behind the photographer (you can see my feet if you look close enough)

My bouquet

The wedding party (I have no idea what I'm doing with my wrist)

The bridal party:
me, Emily, Cameron (man of honor) and Holly

The Turner siblings (and Mom)

The Turner family

Awww

My beautiful Claire

Uncle Josh with Destiny and Claire

Love this! All reactions are priceless!

Doesn't Meredith make a gorgeous bride? She made her own wedding dress, by the way

The happy couple

Family Weekend - Day 2

Friday, April 16

We started the day off with Douglas' sister Meredith's bridal shower and met with Douglas' mom, brother Zack, sister Liz and daughter Emme. This was the moment we had all been waiting for... when all three cousins got to meet. It wasn't quite the happy moment we had been anticipating, but fun nonetheless. Afterward, the whole family headed over to Fish House Vera Cruz for lunch. After lunch was the wedding rehearsal. Those in the wedding party (including me and Douglas) headed to the rehearsal, while others went to the beach. After the rehearsal, most people had a bonfire at the beach, while Douglas and I stayed home. I had to get Claire to bed and I was tired. What a day!

Claire and Destiny holding hands on the way to the shower


And there you have it. Emme (16 months), Claire (8 months), Destiny (12 months) with Liz and Heidi


We have Emme who only likes to be with her mom, Destiny who's not quite sure if this is a good idea and Claire just chilling


This is priceless, though. Claire decided to join in on the fun.


Beautiful Meredith with a wad of gum in her mouth. Every question she got wrong about Josh, she had to stick a piece of gum in her mouth.


Toilet paper wedding dresses! Zack and Holly were the models. (Zack won)


Zack, Meredith, Holly and Liz (4 out of 8 siblings)


Zack, Meredith (holding Claire), Holly, Heidi (holding Destiny), me and Liz


It's exhausting being cute all morning


Lunch time!


I'm not sure what's so interesting down there


Meeting Uncle Matt


7 siblings, youngest to oldest:
Zack, Meredith, Liz, Holly, Douglas, Brian and Matt


7 siblings, plus spouses and kids:
Mom; Liz and Emme (husband Eric couldn't make it); Meredith and Josh; Holly; Douglas, me and Claire; Matt and Hollie; Brian, Heidi and Destiny; Zack

Family Weekend - Day 1

Thursday, April 15

Douglas' sister Holly, brother Brian, Brian's wife Heidi and their daughter Destiny all arrived early in the morning. They spent the day at our apartment while I went to work most of the day. I piled all shows and students on 3 days (Tuesday-Thursday, instead of Tuesday-Saturday) in order to have the rest of the weekend off. I wasn't able to take Thursday off, but it was worth having the rest of the weekend to spend with family. We got to meet baby Destiny for the first time. She just turned a year old on April 4, so she and Claire are just 4 months apart. They got along remarkably well and had a blast playing together.

It was dark, so I couldn't see when I took the picture. Too bad it's blurry. Destiny is tickling Claire's toes.


Destiny, our little table dancer


Claire and Destiny had a fun time banging things on the coffee table


Awww, they're sharing


Uncle Brian

Happy Easter!

Holidays suddenly get to be a lot more fun when you have kids. I mean, I've always loved holidays, but now that I have Claire, they have been awesome! Easter was no exception. I gave her her very first Easter basket and dressed her up in a beautiful Easter dress.

She loved playing with the eggs

Her Easter basket with an "I Am a Child of God" mirror, a stuffed duck and an Easter dress

And, of course I can't pass up an opportunity to take a photo shoot of my precious little girl

Happiness

I took a photo shoot of Claire at my grandparents' property today. I love how enchanting the place is. On a warm spring day when the flowers are blooming and the aroma of orange blossoms fills the air, it's magical! Add an adorable baby to the mix and it's the perfect day!