Wedding Weekend #1

This past weekend, Russ, Lawson, and I traveled to Kansas City for a wedding. Our friends, Johnny and Rachele, got married and we were excited to be a part of their special day.

The trip was a long 7 hour trip and was initially supposed to be just the two of us going, however as we were getting ready to leave the house, Lawson went into complete melt-down mode so we decided to take him with us... not so sure that it was the smartest decision we've ever made, but we survived. Mom and Julie Anne stayed here with baby Emmitt, and we appreciate it very much. I am certain their time here was much more relaxing than ours!

So, our planned departure time of 8:30 became 9:30... the music started at 6:00 and we knew we were pushing it with regard to travel/arrival time. The ride was challenging... Lawson quickly grew tired of his seat, the movies playing, he needed a few diaper changes, of course, wanted a snack, but nothing we had satisfied him and the list went on and on. Honestly, it was quite pitiful. The trip truly exhausted him. Lawson doesn't handle "surprises" very well. He needs lots of preparation with regard to the "events" to come. It has just occurred to me as I type this that he must take after Russ on the "mentally prepared" aspect! Ha! Those of you who know Russ well, know exactly what I am talking about... yelp, I believe Lawson has to be "mentally prepared" to deal with things. So anyway, as we got closer, we began to explain the hotel, quickly changing our clothes, going to the wedding, the reception, etc. He immediately began crying telling us "I don't like o-tel!" (referring to the hotel) Over and over again. I really wasn't sure we were going to make it. However, we arrived at the hotel at 5:00, unloaded our things and found our room. Low and behold, Lawson LOVED the o-tel! He was so excited to be out of that van that he didn't know what to do with himself. The room was extremely nice... actually, too nice for $89, but we weren't going to complain! He jumped on the bed, turned on both T.V.s, and explored the room for the first 10 min or so we were there. And somehow or another, we were out the door and to the wedding site by 6:10!!!

Now once in the church building, he once again told us that he didn't like it. There were lots of people, and many people smiling at him, waving at him, talking to him, etc. and he just wasn't so sure about that. We had attempted to prepare him for the ceremony, but never thought about all of the people. Lawson's face was buried in Russ' shoulder as the ceremony began and then he suddenly turned around and became very interested in all that was happening. It was a sweet wedding and then we were off to the reception which was tons of fun! Good food, good friends, good music, and a GREAT time!

Below are a few shots from the reception which he LOVED!!! And overall, he was a very well-behaved 2-year old. We really can't complain.

Me and Lawson

Russ and Lawson... looking good! :)


The Reception Hall... so pretty!

Johnny and Rachele are the same couple that went with us to STL. Johnny and Russ work together and fortunately, the entire Cargill Leadership Team was in attendance!

Us, The Stalkers, The Bhaskarans, The Garbers, and The Lopez Family accompanying the Bride and Groom!

Johnny and Rachele

Lawson made a new little friend; she was so cute!

Kayce having fun on the dance floor!

Lawson dancing with Mom - he was having a blast!

Molly dancing with Lawson

Lawson dancing with Kim

Vee and Sonja doing "The Cotton-eyed Joe"... had never seen this dance, however it did look like fun!

And lastly Lawson breaking it down on the stage... this is where he spent most of his dancing time. And boy, did he have fun!

Congratulations, Johnny and Rachele, and thank the good Lord that we made it home safely!

The ride was rough for us all, but we made it, just like we always do... with that said, we will leave Lawson AT HOME the next time as I truly believe he would be much more comfortable screaming here at home than strapped in his seat! :) So is the life with kids, right?!

And as to the "#1", we have another wedding next weekend in TN. One of Russ' fraternity brothers is getting married in Grand Junction... there will be no children in towe, screaming or not!!!