Another Whirlwind Weekend

We had another whirlwind weekend around here.  A wedding, graduation events and an official start of summer bonfire.

Mama, Daddy and I went to southwest Missouri to attend my cousin Jordan's wedding.  We took the Jayco and camped at the state fairgrounds in Sedalia.  It was Mama and Daddy's first time out in the Jayco and they enjoyed it tremendously.  They are dreaming about their trip to Vermont in the fall.

at the MO state fairgrounds

I had to smile at finding myself in the backseat of the truck traveling down the road with my Mama and Daddy.  Later Friday evening, when I told them goodnight and went to bed in Jonathan's bunk, I had the strangest feeling of being 12 years old again.  I have to tell you, it was odd, but very nice.  I surely have been blessed to have my Mama and Daddy in my life all these years.  I'll happily go camping with them anytime, anywhere.  :)

Friday evening we had dinner at Mitch and Jan's house with Charles and Ilene and lots of Jan's relatives who were also in town for the wedding.  It was so nice to put faces with names we have heard for so many years.  Mitch and Jan (and crew) were at the rehearsal dinner so we didn't get to see much of them, but we had a lovely evening getting to know Steve, Diana and the rest.

at Mitch and Jan's house Friday evening

Steve (Jan's brother) and Diana

Aunt Ilene and Uncle Charles

Daddy and Mama

The wedding was Saturday afternoon and the temperature was in the mid-90's with super high humidity.  I was impressed that the wedding party still looked so spiffy in that heat!  Everyone was lovely, but I kept missing my opportunity to take a photo.   :(

the three brothers outside the church, Daddy, Charles and Mitch (grandpa of the bride)

The reception was held at a nice facility on the outskirts of town and we enjoyed a meal with Charles and Ilene, along with Travis and Amber, Jan's niece and her husband.  Again, I tried to get a few photos of Jordan and Anthony, but completely failed.  How sad!  I needed Jackson along with me, didn't I?

Aunt Ilene, Uncle Charles, Mama and Daddy

really the only photo that even came close to being viewable of Jordan, the lovely bride

Travis and Amber (Aunt Jan's niece and her husband)

Julie (mother of the bride), Christy (aunt of the bride) and Janna (sister of the bride)

With my cousins, Julie and Christy - (good thing the only shirt I have to wear these days is purple... it went well at this event!  ha!)

We headed home on Sunday afternoon, not quite in time for me to make it to the KHS graduation, but I did make it to Bryan and Deb's gathering for their newly graduated daughter, Lara.  What a super fun evening!

Now for Marvin, Jackson and Jonathan's version of the weekend.  Friday night the boys hosted a 'Start of the Summer' bonfire.  They had a terrific evening of roasting hotdogs and smores, playing ultimate frisbee and singing along with Jackson's guitar and Adrian's saxophone.  I think they will be doing this again pretty soon, it was such a success.  Marvin got to visit with some of the parents and sneak a smore.  :)  I sure wish that I could have been there, too!

Matthew and Zack with Anna's puppy, Devlin

Adrian and Devlin

Matthew, Anna and Devlin

Megan and Melina

Jonathan, Megan and Melina

Megan     

Tenea arriving

Matthew (Eagle Scout!) lighting the campfire

I had asked Jackson to take photos for me and he did, for the first few minutes.  But, he soon quit and so I only have those few photos of some of the kids.  But, Jackson did take this video around the campfire.  :)





Sunday afternoon Jackson and Jonathan went to the high school graduation ceremony.  They knew several who were graduating and wanted to cheer them on.  Here are just a few...

Lara receiving her diploma

Mikayla, Rachel and Bridget

Bridget

We met up later at Bryan and Deb's house for Lara's graduation party.  The kids enjoyed volleyball in the backyard while the rest of us feasted on yummy food and enjoyed visiting and catching up.  Bryan and Deb sure know how to throw a great party!  We all had a wonderful time.  :)

shoes in the front hall at Deb's - but what made me chuckle was...

...seeing that Jonathan had stuck his shoes inside Jackson's boots.    :)