the last days of summer

Brad's awesome coach, 'coach Alan' from Ireland. They really did an amazing job. The pictures where they have the wacky outfits were on 'dress your coach day'. Brad was a trooper and really worked hard all week. It was a really great introduction to the sport.

These images are taken up in Evergreen, where Laurie and Jared live. The first group are up in a creek in town and the others are at Laurie's house. that one with the mountains in the background is Laurie's deck! :)

For us, the summer is almost over. Brad goes back to school on August 18th. We have two trips to squeeze in before then. We leave for Illinois in the morning. We had soccer and swimming all week and it was a lot of fun.

Marcy gets new summer hair-do. It is just too hot for long hair, I say.

The kids have done a LOT of swimming in the last couple weeks. Brian isn't exactly taking to it but he participates as required. Brad still loves the water. We recently found an awesome swim coach, pictured here, who has helped to get Brad to the next level.

Also pictured, is Brian 'enjoying' soccer camp. Brian and I prefered to lounge in the shade and eat snacks while Brad ran around in the hot sun. We all have our style of 'sporting', right?

Okay, and the grand finale

Introducing the world's cutest almost ring bearer... Uh...Brian didn't exactly carry any ring pillow or even walk down the aisle but at least he thought it over as you can see he is doing here.

The Royal Bridal Slipper, if you will.
No, I didn't know Hillary's hair could do that, either.
Okay, here is the some of Hillary's posse. Pretty good looking posse, if I do say so myself.

I burst into tears the first time I saw Hillary all ready for the big moment. She was truly a vision.

Wow! Breathtaking! It was literally more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. The ceremony blew me away.

Oh, did I mention it was a kick-ass good time? After all the mushy stuff was over and we toasted the happy couple, it kind of went right off the deep end. It's okay. I don't see anyone complaining.

Now, just because the party went on until 12:00 and we bribed the DJ to play extra songs so we could stay a little longer, doesn't mean the party was over. Oh no! Then we went to the Observation Bar. Although, I don't think there was much to be observed except a bunch of 'happy' people and a girl in her jeans wearing a tiara. Now, I haven't told Hillary yet, that she doesn't get to wear that get up every day. I want to break her in slowly. She might stand out just a tad at the hospital. Although, she did wear it well, I have to admit.

Back to the Wedding...Rehearsal

Yeah, uh...this was not our best moment. But those are soon to come. The wedding went off without a hitch. Hillary did a great job of planning it. That party sentiment was just not in effect yet at this particular moment.

Yeah, the look on Hillary's face there is pretty much how that whole day went. But, that night, when we pulled into the ship to stay for the night, all was well.

Christian...is now Uncle Christian!

The boys dressed up to commerate this special occasion. They were hamming it up.

So, as you guessed, these pages are all a big tease. I can't show you the wedding pictures quite yet. here are some shots from the rehearsal. As it often is, the rehearsal day was a little rough. However, it was quite lovely and here are some shots.

If you don't like Bugs, may I suggest another venue?

This moth scared the heck out of a certain uncle...hint...his last name is Willard and he doesn't love spiders.
Rick wearing live jewelry




Butterfly is hitchking on my shoulder here.


Okay so not everyone LOVES spiders!

Yeah! What could be better for Brian than bug cake.

You have to play like an ant to enter the Butterfly pavillion.

The butterflies loved Brad and the feeling seems mutual.