I love weddings

This weekend I traveled back to Philadelphia for my Aunt Jean's wedding. She married a lovely man, and I'm thrilled to see her so happy. It was a great time and a great chance to see my other aunts, uncles and cousins I rarely get to see -- plus hang out with my mom and sister who are always good for some laughs.

My aunt decided not to hire a professional photographer for the wedding so I volunteered, along with my cousin's boyfriend, to take pictures. I think between the two of us, we'll have some great coverage for her. It was also good practice for me.

The ceremony was lovely (minus the swarm of bees lurking on the terrace). Both her adult children escorted her down the aisle on a gray, but thankfully rain-free afternoon (although it loomed in the distance). My Aunt's new husband Ernie had his granddaughters in the wedding, and all I kept thinking was how funny it must of been for those girls (17 and 15) to tell their classmates they were going to their grandfather's wedding that weekend. (Oh, how much easier high school would have been for me if I looked like either one of them!!!!) But, back to the wedding.

Below are some pics from the day. I was surprised how nervous my aunt was, but she managed pretty well. My favorite photo is the last one -- I embellished a bit for impact. I laugh out loud every time I look at that photo. Enjoy! The dress - so dramatic

So pretty

Getting lipstick off Ernie after the "I do" kiss

We did it!

I was in love with my cousin Lisa's flowers

And Ernie's gorgeous granddaughters Joanna (l) and Mandy

So happy

My fave

This conversation will never happen in 5 years

I'm going to try to remember this conversation because it will never happen again.

Mommy: "Sam, sit down at table, it's time to do your homework."

Sam: "Okay!" (statement #1 that will not happen in 5 years)

Jack: "Why can't I have homework? I want some homework!" (statement#2 that will DEFINITELY not happen in 5 years)

Too funny . . .

Below are some photos from the bday weekend and galavanting with mom-mom at the Gwinnett Braves game.

Jack William

Today is my Jacky's 4th birthday. What can I say about Jack? He's our rebel, our fearless second child with his OWN agenda. Wanna swim without floaties - sure thing! How 'bout pet a snake - can't wait! Can you check out that dark, spooky room all by yourself - piece of cake! While Sam was dubbed Serious Sam at birth, I think Jack has been quite the opposite.

I tell people I knew Jack was going to be trouble from the very beginning (read: no epidural, and he was 8 lbs 11oz), but really he's just the sweetest boy. I've seen him pick up a toy at a baseball game and walk it clear across a field to return it to the little girl who dropped it. He's softly kissed me on the nose as I sat on the floor crying after slamming my knee into the dresser. I've heard his teachers sing his praises at school and publicly wish for more students JUST LIKE HIM. And, I've heard him remind his older brother that rain is okay because God wants the plants and animals to grow up strong. He's just the sweetest boy.

What do I wish for Jack in this next year? To get a hit off coach-pitch, to have a bit more patience, to grow in his desire to read and learn, to be able to see his grandparents/aunts/uncles/cousins more often, to keep that lovely and silly sense of humor, to love farts a bit less, and to know how much his family loves his guts. Happy birthday bubbie!

Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo?

So off to Chattanooga we went for my 3(mumble mumble)th birthday. It was a lovely trip, jam-packed with rock formations, trains, chimps, jellies, scientific discovery, bungee jumping (in the mall), and a busted lip (Jack, who else?). We'd been planning it for weeks, and even though the weather wasn't stellar, it managed not to rain on our parade.

Chattanooga is a beautiful city quietly nestled in the Tennessee valley. Normally, I don't like ANYTHING Tennessee-related, but I'll give a pass for this one. It was a busy trip, of course, and we managed to cram in the Tennessee Aquarium, Rock City, The Children's Museum, The Chattanooga Zoo, downtown exploration, a trip to the mall (naturally), and a dip in the pool -- all in an extended weekend.

Highlights - Sam and Jack bungee jumping in the mall; singing a family rendition of John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt as we marched through Storybook Cavern in Rock City; Jack not being afraid of snakes or goats or any other animal he could get close to; Sam looking earnestly for gnomes around every turn of Rock City; the kids' faces when they realized the Chattanooga Choo Choo was really real; breakfast included (gotta love that) and spending quality time as a foursome.

Lowlights - Jack's busted lip (ON DAY 1, hour 3 of trip - ask me, the story is easier to tell), no photo evidence of bungee jumping because I left my Blackberry and camera at the hotel, frizzy hair and high humidity, and Sam reminding us every day that our truck smells like mustard (don't ask).

I think it may be worth a repeat trip next year! We had such a great time, and the kids now have a ton of great stories to tell their friends at school. The scene of the crime. Wet concrete + flip flops + tiny front teeth = busted lip

Good thing Jack's a fast healer!

In the fish bowl . . . of sorts

Lookin' for gnomes in Rock City

Famous for their bird houses. They're so cute.

Beautiful downtown

At the zoo!

I brought these gnomes home with me.

Cool cavern in Rock City

Lookout Mountain and Lovers Leap

Choo choo!