The Newlyweds

This past weekend Patrick, Cambrie and I had the awesome opportunity to drive up to Ohio for my brother's wedding. We would not have been able to make the trip if not for the overwhelming generosity of our family; they helped with everything from gas money and hotel rooms to food and entertainment. Though we hate having to depend on family, we are so grateful for their help.

It was a long drive; with all the traffic and stops it was about a 10-11 hour drive each way. The saddest part of the weekend was that all three of us--mommy, daddy, and baby--were miserably ill. Cambrie had an ear infection, low fever, and flu-like symptoms. I had gotten the sickness from her, and so my body and head ached and my sinuses were about to explode from the pressure. Patrick had then gotten it from me--he suffered all of the above AND lost his voice completely for all of Saturday (the wedding day).

Our non-cuddly baby in full cuddle mode. :-( She was so sick.

This was our stockpile of snacks and medicine to get us through.

So how is it we were able to come away from this commenting to each other how glad we were we went and how much fun we had (considering the circumstances, of course)? It was this:

I don't think I've ever seen Andy so happy. Even when the flower girl (Cambrie) was so clingy and miserable that I had to hold her and walk down the aisle, his face was practically glowing, like somehow this silly and laughable incident didn't ruin his wedding. Somehow, it was just right, exactly how it needed to happen. By the way, this pretty much sums up Cambrie's attitude toward her flower girl duties:

Can't you just picture how cute she would have been if she'd been happy and well?

Here's after the wedding, where she's turning to her pink blanket for consolation. But the big bow is so cute!

This past weekend was a chance not only to see my immediate family and some aunts, uncles, and cousins that I hadn't seen in a while; it was an opportunity to see my brother and his adorable wife have the wedding of their dreams and kick off their lives together surrounded by happiness, laughter, and people who love them. That's worth driving any length of time for.

I have high hopes for Andy and Leeanne's future. Why? Because my brother spent months putting together a choreographed song and dance to sing for Leeanne at the reception with a ton of their friends, and he totally pulled it off. Ummm, you don't do that for just anyone. Leeanne? Not only are you getting a heckuva guy--you're getting one that is head over heels for you. Andy? We couldn't be happier with the woman you've married--she makes you laugh, and she loves your guts. That's a winning combination.

So though physically it was a hard and wearing weekend, in all other ways, it was perfect. Congratulations again, Leeanne and Andy! We love you both, and wish you all the best!