a new cousin-in-law

Last weekend we drove down to Ft. Myers FL for my cousin Patrick's wedding. Man, Florida is a LONG state---we weren't even there 24 hours but it was well worth the trip! The wedding was outside and it looked like it was straight out of a magazine...there was yummy food, dancing, family, and best of all---a couple that deserves it all and more! I know people say it all the time but these two are fantastic together. We're so excited to welcome Stephanie to our family!

Reilly-Kate wanted to do a "pretty pose"...this was the result. :)

I know, I've just realized that I didn't get a picture of the bride and groom...I'll try and work on my documenting skills. There were many touching moments during the day but one in particular sticks out to me. Patrick is the youngest of 3 boys and the 1st to get married. Mike and Jack were both Best Men and made speeches. Of course, they talked about how much they love Patrick and how much he means to them and how much they love Stephanie...but all I kept thinking about was my Aunt Ann (their mother) and how proud she must be...moments like these, your boys/grown men standing in front of a group and weepily telling everyone how fantastic their brother is...that is why you give your kids siblings...so they can have each other. My wish for my kids is that MANY years from now---they will speak at each other's weddings about how great the other is and how much they mean to each other. I know that time will be here before I know it, because wasn't it just yesterday that Aunt Ann and Uncle Bruce were dancing with little Poc at some other cousin's wedding? and now he is in Ireland for his honeymoon with his wife.