Pre-wedding prep...

So, I sincerely apologize to those who actually read this blog (if you're out there...a comment now and then would be great!). I have been very preoccupied with life lately. But, now that my sister's wedding is over, I feel like things have relaxed a little...sort of.

I'll start by saying that I did this entire weekend sans hubby. He had class, and was able to change in the parking garage and drive two hours and walk into the wedding with minutes to spare!

I drove home Thursday night. I should have known it was going to be a somewhat stressful weekend when Andrew promptly threw up in his car seat 4 minutes from home. Jason met me at a gas station, we cleaned him up best we could, and I threw him back in his vomit-filled car seat and drove to the farm! I was afraid he was actually sick, but no, he just gagged and vomited. He woke up just fine.

Friday morning, Matt and his gang from Chicago met at my parents house so the boys could go get their suits fitted. Us girls (wives, girlfriends and fiancee's) walked around the farm and Kara and I pointed out various sites. It was fun to see people who had never seen a farm before. Camera's were out. It was great!!

Leah hosted a lunch. It was really windy, but a great day. Then, we all loaded up in the back of Dad's extended cab and took a farm tour!

We got back, rested, Kara and Matt met with the preacher, and got ready for the rehearsal. I don't have many pictures, but one of Kara's friends snapped this of Allie. How appropriate!

The rehearsal was fine. We did a couple run-throughs. Unfortunately, Allie was hot, tired and thirsty, and half-way through I had to step out of line and spank her little bottom. Well, in the process, I tripped over a large rock and really scraped the snot out of my leg. You may see in future pictures that there is a large band-aid covering it up. Yeah, it hurt!

The rehearsal dinner was at Ben and Leah's house. Some local people who do some catering provided some great BBQ. Again...the whole day was busy and I had a lot of help from my cousin Chellie to take care of the kids...especially Andrew. They did great, but were definitely tired, and Andrew was pretty cranky!! I cannot thank Chellie enough for all her help!!

That night we headed to Emporia and slept at one of Kara's bridesmaids house. We got up early and headed to the salon!

Before...

After...

Kara looked amazing! Her hair was beautiful...hand made flower and all! We had a delicious brunch provided by the mother of another girl in the wedding party. Beverly Lake...you are amazing!

Got back to the house, got my kids down for a nap, and it was time to get ready!

Kara needed a little help getting her dress on...it was a group effort!

But once that dress was on...she looked stunning!!

Time for pictures outside. My aunt Joyce did the pictures. She does great photography. I think if she could quit her job and do it full time, she would! Of course, there was definitely some orneriness from my sister! Umm...Kara...I don't think that's what Joyce meant when she said to give Matt a kiss!

The day was perfect. It was definitely warm...but there was a breeze, and the lighting was great!

The wedding party...Weren't the colors amazing?

Yeah, not really sure where this picture came from. Found it on my camera when I got home. But, don't you think it's kinda' cute?

So, the next post will be about the ceremony and reception...then I think I'll nearly be caught up. I will get more pics of my kids up soon as well. Andrew is almost walking!!! He's definitely taking 4-5 steps at a time, but still pretty timid. Such a fun age! Now, if he would just eat!!