Rehearsal and Dinner

Our son is married.  28.5 years old, he has been dating Hannah for 5 years.  It was time they got married. We had so much fun at the wedding--we are so, so happy for them.

First things first - Rehearsal.  We had rehearsal last Thursday night, partly because it's nice to have a day inbetween rehearsal and the wedding, and partly because one of my best friends had a son getting married on Friday night.  (What are the chances???)

Les' brother Howard and his wife Vicky flew out more than a week before the wedding.  Howard was such a blessing to me (and Les).  He ran errands for Les, he gave him back rubs, he washed our car, he did anything we asked him to.  It was a break for me and I really appreciated.  Vicky also was such a help.  She cooked, cleaned, washed windows.  I am so far behind with stuff since Les was in hospital for almost a week.  My sister Sharon flew in on Labor day, and she started laboring right away!  It was SO NICE to have her in the house and jumping and doing whatever I asked her and so much more - she kept an eye on me and told me when I needed to stop :)  Rehearsal dinner was at our home, so many many things needed to be done.

Our son asked for steak for his rehearsal dinner.  Les decided to add some ribs to the menu and insisted on cooking them himself.  He succeeded!  Friend Rick came and helped him slice steaks from the filet mignon roasts.  Les had asked master griller Brian to grill the steaks and Rick assisted.   Also on Kris' menu were cheesy hashbrown potatoes, grape salad and caesar salad.  We got all that made up on Thursday.   My parents and their good friends sat and cracked crab a day so my mom and dad could bring crab cocktails for us all.   Les' friend Rose brought a tray of goodies for dessert.

 My neighbors decided months ago that they would be my decorators for this event.  Several weeks ago chef neighbor Dan hung lights all along the back side of our house.  Neighbor Mark hauled in tables.  Jayleen and Melinda brought in tablecloths, center pieces and tiki torches; they put candles around the pond, lanterns in the flower beds - so festive and so beautiful.  We have REALLY great neighbors. 

The BBQrs, with a little help from Gpa

 My friends Lonnie and Pam came along with Brian and Rick and they ran the inside of the house.  They even washed dishes.  They are very dear to me.

The wedding party all ended up out by the fire and sat for quite some time.  The bride's out-of-town family stayed chatting at a table until dark.  The food was amazing - steaks grilled to perfection.  It was a very successful evening.  Whew.........