Here Comes the Bride

The weekend of November 5th, we headed to Toledo, Ohio to celebrate the wedding of my cousin, Pete, and his fiance, Rachel.  We headed to Toledo with Kristen on Friday night after work and met my mom & dad and Lizzie & Jordan at the hotel.  Sadly, Mackenzie couldn't join us; she had to work.


On Saturday morning, Aunt Krissy took McKenna & Benny swimming with all of the cousins.  She definitely won the award for Best Aunt as she jumped right in with her clothes on...none of us brought bathing suits.


These pictures are the best...just look at the expressions on McKenna's and Kristen's faces.  I'd say they were both having the BEST time together.


Sarah, McKenna, Kristen, Hallie, Nick

loves the water, seriously loves the water


Benny's ready for his turn!


alittle nervous at first

Later on in the afternoon we got all dressed up and headed to the church to see the "I do's".  I always get nervous about having the kids at weddings.  It really isn't comfortable for either of us.  We really lucked out this time.  The church had a kid's room full of toys.  McKenna & Benny enjoyed themselves...they played the whole time!


STRIKE!



I went back and forth between the playroom and the back of the church where I had a nice view of the ceremony. 

Look at these beautiful flower girls just before they head down the aisle!  I didn't realize it when I took it, but look at the gorgeous bride right behind them!


Lauren, Sarah & Emma  (my cousin, Mike's daughters - Pete's neices)


first picture of the new Mr. & Mrs. Peter & Rachel Van Niel!!!

There was a bit of time between the ceremony and the reception, so we headed back to the hotel to hang out and gear up.


Benny chillin' with GP


pretty girl getting ready to party


Benny & Aunt Susan


my sweet boy


before...

after...  Hey, that's their fault, why would they have a bowl of sand that low???  

family!  miss you Puggie!


parents of the groom!  Aunt Basi & Uncle Butch




Grandma Beauty & Uncle Jeff


Uncle Ba & Aunt Malo


first dance as husband and wife




Mom, Grandma Beauty, Aunt Sylvia


Kreso, Brian, Jordan




pretty girls...Hailey & Emma


can't tell, but the Bride threw her bouquet right into the chandelier...Lizzie & Jordan volunteered to try and get it...no such luck!


Rachel & Rachel!


Sweet Pete!


Nicky & Grandma


I love the expressions on each of our faces!


Aunt Basi, Rachel, Jen, Brian


awesome


Congratulations Pete & Rachel!  We are so excited for the two of you!  Thank you for sharing your special day with us...we had a BLAST!

Brayden is ONE!

Here's Brayden on November 7, 2010, on his BIRTHday...


and here he is October 29, 2011, on his FIRST birthday!  He's soooo BIG!


We were so excited to celebrate the birth of one of our most favorite boys, our Godson, Brayden Everett.

Brayden's birth is something we hold near to our heart. We love the sweet boy very much. Brian, McKenna, Ben & I are very lucky to be such a big part of our best friend's lives.

Brayden has become such a big boy. He's walking all over the place. He says Hi, more, mom, dad (and I'm sure lots more at home!) and gives lots of kisses. He loves McKenna; he calls her Didi when he points to her picture. He loves to play with cars, throw balls, slam dunk into his basketball net, and show you that he's sooo big!

We had a blast celebrating the "Little Monster"!


Aunt Beanie & Benny


McKenna loved jumping in the moon bounce!

Brad mid conversation...Thomas Vandewoestyne intently engaged


McKenna & Todd


Jordan & Uncle Eric watching Kenna dance on the patio


these two don't take a bad picture...it's disgusting.




Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday dear Brayden, Happy Birthday to you!


digging in!  There's nothing better than Funfetti frosting!


it was GP's birthday too!


blue eyes + cupcake + pink nails = my favorite girl


Happy Happy Day for the Samples family!

too much like their parents

Brayden,
This is your first.  Your first birthday.  The first of MANY birthdays to come.  We'll be there.  Yep.  We'll be there for EVERY one.  We promise.  We love you so much.  I know we say it all the time.  It's just because we truly mean it.  We couldn't be prouder to be called your Godparents.  We vow to ALWAYS be there for you.  We love you. 

Happy First Birthday, Brayden.  Happy Birthday.