K and J's Wedding

The end of May was a busy time for our family. We drove to the Bay area where Taylor's family is from to attend his youngest sister's wedding in the Oakland LDS temple. Here are the Giles siblings with their parents. Aren't they a handsome lot? We made it to the ceremony just by the skin of our teeth - no thanks to me. What? I thought I had more time to get ready! I'm so glad we made it, because it was a beautiful ceremony. Kimber was a gorgeous and gracious bride, and her handsome British husband was dashing as well. (And I have to give a great big "Thank You!" to the kind and generous family members and bridesmaids who watched our kids so we could be there!)These two are both eloquent and mature beyond their years. They have such a bright future ahead of them! And I have to admit being a bit jealous of the adventure ... which will include duel citizenship and living in London. It was delightful to meet his family and spend a few days together. I hope they liked us well enough to let us come visit them in London! Here are Kimber and Julian with all of Kimber's nieces and nephews. For a split second this unruly sight just might make one think twice about endless and eternal posterity... I love that they are gazing into each other's eyes and oblivious to the chaos. Just as it should be on your wedding day! :) I had the happy opportunity to be invited (along with all of the sisters, sisters-in-law and every other able-bodied family member not assigned to babysitting duty) to help decorate for the reception that was held later that evening. As always, my organized mother-in-law had every detail outlined and ready to delegate. Somehow I was given the opportunity to assemble and decorate the wedding cake! I felt honored that she trusted me, my judgement and my creativity enough to handle the job. I was given 3 cake rounds, a cake-tiering "assembly kit", a hacksaw, a lovely assistant, and 2 hours. I think it turned out pretty well, considering I've never decorated a wedding cake in my entire life!In the hustle and bustle of decorating, I also ended up assembling the centerpieces for the tables. What a gorgeous idea they were! I love the fresh lemons. They smelled amazing. And they were a beautiful contrast with the navy blue tablecloths. Well done, Leanne and crew!The food was plentiful and delicious. Everyone had a great time! I came to find out later that Alice was teething 2 molars that day, so that would explain why she screamed through the entire reception. Waverly was put on clean-up duty with a little broom and lace apron - she could not have been more thrilled! Henry and Oscar ate and ate and then went and played in the dirt out back with the other boys in attendance. I'm so glad I took the time to shop for brand new matching outfits for them. (Heavy on the sarcasm.) I forgot to take their picture anyway. Except for this one - Sidenote: It struck me later that this photo looked a whole heck-of-a-lot like one I took at the last Giles wedding that took place 4 years ago... Isn't the similarity amazing?... except for the fact that Henry is now 7, and not 2!Anyway... I managed to have a wonderful time despite the dirty boys playing in their nice outfits. How could I not? Just look at the larger-than-life sheet cakes that were served for dessert?! But more than anything, it was a wonderful occasion because of the couple being honored, and I was honored to be a part of. I married into a fantastic family who values one another and the strengths of each individual. Just like in my own family, my husband's family has a wide range of personalities and talents. But it never ceases to amaze me how we all come together to make something beautiful and memorable. I can't wait until the next family celebration!