McKinley, The Ring Bearer & A Big, Big Weekend

Today was the long awaited wedding of our long-time friend Jodi and her HUSBAND, Dave. It was a super fun, super hectic day full of emotions and laughter and some great dancing.

Last night, at the rehearsal, McKinley showed his 'tough guy' face while rehearsing his big duty as Ring Bearer. Proof that he would happily serve as comic relief for this special time. In an attempt to NOT smile while ALL eyes were on him and the flower girl, this new - and hilariously funny - scowl appeared in the place of our usual 'all smiles' boy. Nose and lips scrunched together, eye brows pulled down as far as they would go and jaw set...he was a sight! Everyone was cracking up!

After that 'grand' entrance, we rehearsed most of the actual ceremony. McKinley took a break and sat with Cary in a nearby pew. When the pastor blessed the wedding rings, she said, 'In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit"...being Catholic, this is something we hear a LOT. McKinley is uber familiar with this as he leads our nightly prayer, crossing himself and saying the above. So...when the pastor got to the, "Holy Spirit" part, McKinley boisterously pronounced, "AMEN!" That boy has natural comedic timing! It was a precious thing to hear...it made everyone giggle, made Mommy and Daddy beam and was a sweet little affirmation of why we were there.

Soon we were onto the Rehearsal Dinner where McKinley officially became acquainted with his new buddies, Carrie and Chris. Chris invented a little game called 'the jump button'...officially McKinley's new favorite game...where Chris instructed McKinley to hit the jump button on Chris' arm, at which time Chris would LAUNCH McKinley WAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYY up into the air as far as he could reach, then come back down to Earth. Peals of laughter rippled through the banquet room! Soon, it was time for McKinley to open his adorable Ring Bearer gift: a 'Ring BEAR-er' and a book about a little boy who was a ring bearer (right up our alley - we LOVE books!).

Soon it was off to bed so McKinley could sleep in as late as possible - there would be NO napping on the day of the wedding!

I was up bright and early for my hair appointment and a few small errands, so Cary and McKinley enjoyed the morning together then met me at the church at 1pm. When I saw that little boy in his precious tux (and his handsome Daddy in his pinstripe suit) I could not have been more proud. He was a sight! Seriously adorable!

I'm so happy to report that McKinley and his flower-girl-side-kick EASILY made it down the aisle. Yes, McKinley still had that face that would soon be dubbed "The McKinley Face" by the photographer - but it was cute, none the less. During the ceremony, McKinley chose to sit with Daddy, Nonna & Papa (my Godfather) while the flower girl literally took a nap on the step of the altar. When the organ played that familiar 'going away' song, the flower girl jumped and McKinley scooted right up to me to head out the door, as instructed.

That went by so fast!

Next we had lots of pictures, then headed to the reception. McKinley sat between Cary and I and with Andrea and Andrew - a couple who were also in the wedding party. McKinley requested Splenda in his iced tea (a treat), insisted on sampling SEVERAL slices of cheesecake and proceeded to dance his little self all over the floor for HOURS. He closed the place down. Literally. We have no idea where all the energy came from, but he was certainly lighting up that dance floor!

Carrie and Chris again buddied up with our boy, dancing away all night, making runs for iced tea, and fishing for pennies in the nearby fountain. My favorite parts of the night were watching McKinley dance the dollar dance with Jodi (totally made me cry...), dancing with my two favorite men for a slow dance, and all of our friends who were there (Sara, Shawna, Jodi, Jill, Carrie, Chris, Lisa, Randy and the boys, Brenda and EVERYONE ELSE!!!!) hitting the floor with McKinley to cut a rug. It was heartwarming and so much fun for me to watch and be a part of...totally an emotional day!

I think we have made some wonderful new friends, and I cannot express how honored we all were to have shared in the official beginning of what promises to be a beautiful union. Congrats to Jodi & Dave! Happy Wedding!!!!!

And to our little ring bearer - you were precious to watch. I especially loved it when you totally crashed and fell asleep in my arms minutes after arriving home. Love you so much!

Lynn