Family Wedding

My nephew got married last Saturday. It was a crazy busy day for us, since it was our first Easter Pageant rehearsal. I can't believe how long it's been since we participated--three years. Last time we did it--click here--Eve was so tiny. And that picture of Ben made me miss him even more. 

Although Tucker is too busy to do it, Karli and Annie have joined our family, and that makes all of us pretty happy. Brad is a Sadducee this year, and he revels in his bad guy role. Micah, Hyrum, and Eve are participating in Jesus and the Children, while Lily and I have starring roles in the baptism scene--Lily is the baptized woman and has been practicing her hair flipping ever since she found out. I get to wrap her in the towel and help her off stage. I know. Big stuff.

These are two of my favorite pictures from last Saturday. Rum was moving in to kiss grubby little Annie on her head. That kid has such a tender heart.

And by the end of the day, we were all pretty tired from the heat. Eve was struggling to pay attention while we were on the stage.

I was called to be the social media specialist (Facebook post writer and photographer) for the pageant, so I get to use my camera up on stage as we practice and stuff. It's pretty fun. You can like the Mesa Easter Pageant Facebook page to follow my posts over there for the next few weeks.

Brad and I snuck away from rehearsal for an hour to attend Sam's and Alina's sealing before finishing rehearsal (to learn about weddings--called sealings--in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, click here). Then I got all the kids home, showered and ready for the reception that evening.

It may have been unseasonably hot that day, but the temperature was perfect for an outdoor reception, and my sister-in-law's yard was amazing. That's her with her dad.

 The citrus blossoms just started opening, and the air hung with their perfume (I don't ever remember smelling citrus in February . . . ), and everyone pulled out their phones to snap pictures . . .

 . . . or pitched in wherever they could to help. Look at my man. Isn't he cute? And I can't believe how grey he's getting. I love that beard on him. I don't love kissing that beard on him.

 Brad's dad and sister. Hope Brad ages as gracefully as his dad has.

 Amy thought of everything, and the kids only left this area to get food or dance.

My niece Julia is preparing to serve a mission to Montreal in just two weeks. She was pretty glad she didn't have to miss the wedding--she also made the wedding cake, which was amazing.

 Julia and Lily--going to be weird when it's just Lily . . .

Brad's mom and stepdad. Greg is doing so well after his hospitalization late last year. (If you missed that experience, read about it here.)

 And the teenagers . . . love them.

Two of my favorites. I love these boys--they are so funny and helpful and good and kind. Watch out, ladies.

I was sad I didn't take photos at the temple, but I did manage to get a few pictures of the bride and groom as they practiced their dance before the reception.

Alina is a dancer, and Sam . . . is not. But he would do anything for her. I've never seen a man look at a woman at a sealing the way he looked at her. I've known Sam every day of his life, and it is incredible to see him this happy.

Congratulations.