Thurs. July 18, 2013 - 2 weddings

 Grandma Shelley, Riley, Grandpa Charlie and Micaela at the courthouse before the wedding

 The groom and his daughters

 Great Grandma Jean, Micaela, Mommy, Grandma Shelley, Grandpa Charlie, Aunt Amy and Riley

 Micaela showing Great Grandma Jean her feet

 The ceremony

 The newlyweds!

 Riley and Great Grandpa John made us pancakes for breakfast

While Micaela and Great Grandma Charlotte did laundry

 Our pretty little flower girl

 Watching the bride walk down the aisle with cousin Katie

 The girls look on as Leslie and Zach say their vows

 Riley was quite attentive

Proud Grandparents

 Cousins Ryan and Tyler

 The boys: Evan, Dale, Kirk, Bart and Bill

 Zach, the officiant and Leslie

 Leslie and her sisters, Sophie and Katie

 Riley loved hanging out with the big girls

 Cat and my cousin Drew

 My cousin Chris and his fiancee Natalie

 Our family all dressed up and looking good

 The sisters: Donna, Cathy, Maggie, Winnie and Joanie

 Riley enjoyed exploring the beautiful botanical gardens

 Micaela and Riley enjoying cupcakes with Aunt Donna

Then the dancing began

 Micaela ran circles on the dance floor for an hour; guess she had some pent-up energy

 The girls danced the night away

Amy, Mom and Jen

Grandma Cheryl taught Riley to sew up a stuffed animal that needed a repair

Reading with Grandma Cheryl

We spent a little time walking around the U of I campus

 Well, one of us ran

I still love the quad

We had a wedding-filled weekend. On Friday we drove to Bloomington for Grandpa Charlie and Grandma Shelley's wedding. They had a nice ceremony at the courthouse followed by a celebration at a restaurant. We are very happy for them and glad we were able to be a part of their day. 

From there we headed to Springfield for the rehearsal and wedding of my cousin Leslie. My aunts, uncles and almost all of my cousins were able to be there and we loved spending time with them all weekend. Its been a few years since I've seen some of my cousins and it was great to catch up with them. Leslie and Zack planned a beautiful, music themed wedding in the botanical garden of Washington Park. Riley was the flower girl and she absolutely reveled in the attention. It was really nice to be surrounded by family who helped entertain the girls when they grew bored with Mommy and Daddy; without them we probably wouldn't have lasted through dinner. Once the music started both girls danced the night away.  We all had a great time and are excited for Leslie and Zack and their future together.

On Sunday we drove to Rantoul to see Grandma Cheryl and Grandpa Leon before we went back north. Grandma Cheryl always has fun activities that make the girls very happy. Grandpa Leon took them for rides on various pieces of farm equipment, which they are still talking about. 

It was a jam-packed weekend but we spend a little time with everyone, so a great trip south.