Anna Wedding

This weekend our first daughter got married to the man of our prayers. Hers and ours, it was so great to know he exists and is so perfect for her. We had so much support and help from family and friends we were overwhelmed with gratitude. My camera went upstairs to provide internet for children who prefer their own space and experience at a long event like this. 

Sign lettered by Aunt Brenda, decorations provided by Aunt Shauna. 

The happy couple before the wedding. 

Looks like a prayer but not sure. 

The beautiful and tasty cake from aunt Brenda. Lemon with buttercream frosting. So tasty. Aunt Brenda was a great resource on how to do a wedding. I spent many hours asking her questions and opinions as she attends weddings more often than I. The amount of help friends and family gave helping me shape an idea of what should/could happen along with general encouragement was true friendship and charity in action. 

Centerpieces made by Anna. 

The walking down the isle. A first for us. The chapel was close to completely full. Bishop Jace Morrison married them. He has been Anna's employer for the past two falls he had good experiences and understanding to share about them. She wanted the open light from the windows. I love that there was a lot of light and love throughout the entire day. We prayed before hand people would feel comfortable and welcome. I think they did. 

Harold went to  friends wedding earlier in the morning in Twin falls then headed for Ontario and made it with a few minutes to spare. Joey's grandpa is shown from the back. 

Aunt Sheryl helped serve the dinner. She Aunt Crystal and Grandma Saunders made over 400 rolls. Aunt Alena made chocolate coconut cakes- my personal favorite, which I appreciated so much.

Cutting the cake. They were polite and careful with each other. 

The little girls assembling for the bouquet toss. This turned into a brawl Livy being the tallest grabbed the bouquet but some of those little cousins really fought for it. Alas many petals were left on the floor but all little girls retained their eye balls and no hair was pulled too hard. I didn't see tears but it was a grudge match for a few seconds. 

As Anna was departing grandma asked for a picture of the oldest and youngest. So with the joke provided by a family friend ringing in my ears we snapped the shot. What is the difference between a shotgun wedding and a Mormon wedding? At a shotgun wedding the bride is pregnant at a mormon wedding the mother of the bride is pregnant. I guess baby Jake is close enough to mom being pregnant. Oh well we are so thankful for both these sweeties. We are so thankful our kids want families and aren't afraid of marriage. We are thankful that God trusts us to raise His precious children. Jake is a sweet baby not overly demanding and keeping us in plenty of sweet baby snuggles. 

After the wedding our loving family got right to work taking the decorations down. Uncle Bryce with Monroe on board took the screw gun to the arch they stood under and started taking it apart. 

Reed, Uncle Eric, Uncle Jon, and Aliza helped Uncle Don take down the gauze walls that made the gym look so elegant. I love the lights in this gym people could see each other but these simple walls really elevated the experience. 

Aliza and friend Carlin were the anchors and angels and muscles of this day. Carrying idea, vision, and calm throughout the experience they worked so hard. I have no pictures of Carlin as my phone left my hands almost as soon as we entered the building but they worked non-stop. Livy helping clean-up and enjoying Aliza. 

Grandpa helping with Jake who was about finished for the day. He managed so well and tolerated being bounced to and fro. 

Good friends showed up after the basketball games we were thankful for their support and wisdom
throughout the years. 

The grandkids. We love cousins. So many helped with water refills, kid management and were just friendly so they each had a nice evening together. I'm thankful for a smart friend who took care of all of them and made sure they were safe, cared for, and in their own space. We had a lot of people come and these kiddos went upstairs to play instead of staying with the talking adults. It worked really well because of Brooke Hess my friend. Uncle Ty and Aunt Rachel Hawkins and Aunt Ruth also helped man the upstairs and then put it back together. 

I had to take nursing breaks for Jake and missed parts but the stuff happened. The cake, the bouquet, the father daughter dance, the visiting and congratulating. It was good. We are so tired but very thankful, and praying that they will feel that love and support and have all the happiness and blessings they can. 25 years ago we had our own reception here it was good and another full circle moment. Life is so good. Speaking of good we had delicious tri tip dinner catered by Brian & Barb Wolfe, and simple yet tasty cake for dessert made by Millie and Mom. Served by Michelle Trowell and Brenda Grout two sweet and thoughtful friends. 
 Other friends cleaned the church just for us Jamie Tolman and Genelle and Spencer Frahm family took care of the building so we just focused on the gym. Did I mention a funeral was hosted in between our decorating and wedding. It worked so nicely with my sweet friend Glenna Mason serving there and making it all ready for us to take over. So many blessings and people we care about caring for us this day. A real testament to a life of connections. 

The morning set-up crew of my Dad, James, Cambree, and Trey, Natalie, Millie, Livy, Reed, Addie (who got all the snacks for upstairs kids, and all the assorted last minute shopping), Cindy Atkinson, Linda Hiatt, JEnnifer and Lexie Hawkins, Aliza, Anna, Carlin, Don & Shauna. 

We are a big family. We have a lot of people who really care about us and gave generously of their time, talents, patience, and love to make this happen. We are most blessed because of those many hours of service given to our family. Its hard to count or express how much it means. We will continue to try to return that love and support all we can to family and friends it really means a lot to those in need as we were. 

I learned in the quietness when I stayed home from church the next day because I was too tired and dehydrated to go anymore that it is the Atonement of JEsus Christ who covers, lifts, enables, and strengthens us (among many other gifts) that gives us hope and confidence in this earth experience. I'm thankful for that knowledge that the Savior is always aware and helping and blessing and filling in all my gaps. It is so good because of Him and all those striving to serve and be like Him. We are so blessed.