C loves L
This weekend we travelled up-country (or maybe down-country ..my sense of direction isn't that great) to attend the wedding of the son of friends of ours from our growing up years. It was a little strange to think that we have reached the season of seeing the next generation starting their branches of the family tree.
We decided to make a family holiday of it, and started by picking up our #2 son, who had just come to the end of his work experience at camp. They let him go a little early, so we could get on the road in good time. We had hardly got out of the campgrounds, when the word " ice cream" was mentioned. None of us had had breakfast, and it seemed a good alternative. So we stopped at a local ice creamery and then hopped back in the vehicle, on our way to an adventure.
After arriving at the hotel, we went over to the local mall for further amusement. My husband was looking for a tie for the occasion, and we found one that would be appropriate. It was fun hanging out and exploring the various stores. The next morning, we got all dressed up and went for breakfast. To my husband's delight, there was a Denny's next door to the hotel. Denny's is his favourite. He even went to bed early, so that we could wake up and go there.
The wedding was an hour's drive from the hotel. It was at the same church where the bride's parents had been married. Since we weren't quite sure where it was, we left early. We arrived a full half hour before the ceremony. This was a stroke of good luck, because it gave us enough time to find a little store which had this pretty necklace in it. My husband bought it for me, so my outfit would be complete. He's a good man. :)The wedding was very beautiful. I kept thinking of how the groom's mom and I used to help each other out when our kids were small. And the picture of the four babies on the couch - the older two with their arms around the necks of the younger two, making sure the younger ones knew who the bosses were. And the camping trip we all went on, where it rained like crazy until the last day. Even though our families don't live in close proximity anymore, the bond between us is strong. Over the years, we have managed to find times to get together to burn the midnight oil, enjoying conversations, and games and shared experiences.
It was such an honour to be asked to share this experience with them.
After the ceremony, there was time to grab a bite to eat, and return to the hotel, to remove ties and other uncomfortable pieces of clothing before the reception. It was set up at the groom's gramma's apple farm. It was such a beautiful setting. The tennis court had been transformed into a dining area. The tea lights were set in apples. Mason jars held pretzel sticks to keep us occupied while we visited. More memories flooded as we sat and chatted with people we had known from earlier years. I told my husband that my favorite part of the day was the feeling of belonging. There were people who had known me as a teenager, as a college student, as a young mom and it was so lovely to sit among them again. 
There was lots of laughter as the reception went on - stories of the bride and groom; as well as the siblings and parents sharing good wishes and welcomes to the respective families. I know that these two young people will look back at their wedding day as a highlight of their journey. I also know that they will experience many more wonderful adventures, because they have such a great support network in their family and friends.
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