PA Weekend

Alrighty...here starts picture overload!  Instead of doing several posts about the different days of our weekend, I decided to see if I could put all the pictures into one post.  Blogger uploaded them and then published to this post successfully.  I'm happy!

On Thursday (one week ago), we packed up and headed to PA for a long wedding-filled weekend.  We made an early stop at McD's in Orrville for breakfast.  To Brian, when traveling in the morning, you must stop at McD's for breakfast.  It's like "his rule".

Mmmm...fried, greasy goodness.

Our travels were great!  Mason was a pleasant little fellow and enjoyed the stops we made.  Here's Brian supervising while on the phone with his mom.

Mason loved the running around time, and surprisingly, didn't fuss when it was time to get back in the seat.

He's really into Sammy.  The dog isn't a "needed" item when going to bed, but he sure does like to squeeze him tight when he's around!

We stopped at an outlet mall about 45 minutes from Brian's parent's house.  Brian informed me that he might have encouraged something bad - hiding behind clothing.  Mason loved it!

Thursday evening most of the male cousins and a friend of Bobby's went out to eat and enjoyed a little "bachelor" time with Bobby.  I got to enjoy time with three cousin's wives and their babies.  We ate at an outdoor mall and played in the kids area at Barnes & Noble.

Baylen (3) had a little accident (#1) and needed the beach towel for some coverage.  Luckily, Old Navy was just around the corner and his mom was able to buy him a new pair of shorts!  He wasn't phased - just enjoyed stories with Naphtali.  

These three are all so close in age, but so different right now.  Mason (15 mon), Anya (9 mon), and Skyla (12 mon) had fun playing on the little stage.  They gave Danette a run for her money in the picture posing department!

Mason was the only walker, but the two girls can get themselves where they want to go.  It was a bit challenging to get them to stay in one place for the few pictures.

And back to the railing they go!

Mason showing off his mad climbing skills.

The main reason we came into B&N was to play at the train table.  Once Baylen was outfitted in his new shorts, he was in heaven with the trains.

The moms were in heaven with the chatter.

Naphtali and her baby girl - ready to see the light of day in just a few weeks!

Mason played trains a bit, but he did his fair share of running away and enjoyed me chasing after him!

On Friday we hung out at Dave & Susie's house and set up for the rehearsal dinner in the evening.

Mason really enjoyed the slide and house.

Trying to get to the top.

Playing in the woods and picking up all sorts of fascinating "woodsy" things.

What a cute pair of cuties!

Wish this one wasn't so blurry - Mason finally decided to smile on the last picture and it was blurry (and Brian wasn't looking!).

I didn't get pictures of it, but we set up several tables, chairs, lights, and decorations for a great rehearsal dinner.  Dave and Susie's backyard looks wonderful!  They've spent a lot of time making it a great place to host parties, eat dinner, and relax.  In the evening we rehearsed, ate dinner, and socialized.  Saturday morning we had breakfast and then the race was on - showers, dressing, primping, and getting to the church for the wedding.

The wedding started at 2 and Mason went down for a nap around 11:45.  Thankfully he took a long nap and I had to wake him up at 1:30 to get him dressed and over to the church.  I was happily surprised at how well he did during the ceremony.  At the rehearsal he was all over the place, running around and talking.  I was thinking I wouldn't get to watch the wedding, but he surprised me and did wonderfully well!

 Listening to the music and waiting for the wedding to begin with his great-Nanny Walters.  Since he slept through lunchtime and I didn't have time to feed him after nap, I had a few snacks up my sleeve and books to read.  Mason was loving it!

Lee Walters and Jeremy Lesser (cousins) lighting the candles.

Jeremy Kempf (cousin) and Kay and Dale Kempf (aunt and uncle) provided the beautiful music.  Steph Swartzendruber (cousin) also helped out on the piano.  They sounded wonderful!

Dave escorting Susie to their seats.

The both looked beautiful/handsome!

Still entertained and well-behaved.

Enter pastors, groom, and groomsmen.

Now's when it gets a little tricky in the world of Mason.  He hadn't seen daddy since before nap and really wanted to get down and hug him.  But, I was able to keep him seated and quiet.  Brian made it a little easier on me - he avoided looking at him.

The three brothers - looking so handsome and cool!

Bobby waiting for his bride and Brian smiling for his!

Enter bridesmaids - Ruta (Britney's friend).

And her sister, Amanda.

Jared (son of Bobby's cousin) served as the ring bearer.

Lily (daughter of Bobby's cousin) served as flower girl.

Snacking it up!  I never knew I could keep him so occupied and quiet with food.  He's not normally a big snacker, but anytime he started jabbering or making noise, I'd just shove another something into his mouth.  It worked very well!

Watching Britney walk down the isle.

Beautiful bride with her step-dad and dad.

Pastor Dave giving the message.

Poppy (Bobby's grandfather) did the vows and exchange of rings.

If you've noticed, my pictures are getting worse, less focused, and not centered.  I was trying to keep Mason is place while trying to get a picture here and there.  I quickly grabbed my camera and got this one before Mason grabbed it!

Jared and Lily after the wedding - they were such a cute couple and did their jobs so well!

Finally!  Got to get his daddy! (Chewing on the bubbles, why not!)

Cousins chatting in the rain.

Do you see Mason?!  We're all outside waiting for Bobby and Britney's exit so we can blow bubbles and watch them get into their car.

Kempfs and friends from Shickley.

Family picture time.  Bobby and Britney took a short drive so the church could clear out and the family could get into place for the picture.  

Mason played a little number on the piano for some nice background music (while I have my eyes half closed!).

Loves playing piano!

Kempf aunts and uncle - Marge, Don, Shirley, and Ellen.

The Walters crew with married Bobby and Britney!

Looking good!

The Kempf family picture.

B&B with M!

The wedding party.

Before going to the reception (which was at Britney's parent's house), the wedding party stopped at this covered bridge for pictures.  The horse and carriage were waiting, a surprise to Britney.

The newlyweds rode in the carriage from the bridge to the reception and then the party started!

Enter Brian and Ruta.

Neal and Amanda.

The Bride and Groom!!

Even though it was rainy, we had a great time. The rain was never very hard and the kids enjoyed playing and running around.

Britney with Taylor and Emma (cousin's kids) on the dance floor. Taylor (10 mon) was an awesome dancer - he kicked his feet and shook his arms.  He loved the music!

Jared and Brayden (cousin's kids) getting down to the music!

Bonnie (cousin) and Mason dancing away.

Bobby with college friends Paul and Geoff.

Enjoying the cake.

The kids enjoyed trying to break the pinata.  They took quite a few swings at this one...

...before Bobby had to step in and finally get the thing to open.

Playing the shoe game.

Enjoying the dancing.

Mommy and Mason dancing (in the background, not on the floor).

Paul took Mason out onto the dance floor for some fun!

Beautiful couple enjoying the fun at their son's reception!

Byron (uncle), Derek (cousin), and Will (uncle) chatting.  No dancing for them!

We were tuckered out after a long day and evening.  Mason did great and fully enjoyed each moment.  No more sleeping for him on Saturday - too much fun to partake in!

We slept in on Sunday, had breakfast, and then packed up to head home.

After driving a few miles, getting gas, and then hitting the highway, Mason "asked" for Sammy (whiney tone made for the dog) and went right to sleep.  Beautiful!

After nap, Mason giggled, talked, read, whined, and watched a movie.  After a bit he started whining again and we weren't sure why.  Brian moved the computer and I noticed the screen saver had come on. No wonder he was sad - he didn't want to watch the screen saver!!

Wow - long post, eh?  Well, as you can see we had a wonderful weekend in PA.  We had fun catching up with family from near and far and relaxing together.  Bobby and Britney's wedding was wonderful and we were so glad to be part of it!