A long weekend!

We are back home after a long weekend in St. Cloud. It was a very fun weekend. We are all exhausted, even Kirby (who stayed in SLP with John...but he went on a little trip to John's neighbors Saturday night!)

Joe had a good time golfing on Friday. I heard that he did well on the first few holes. The guys all hit traffic coming up and barely made it on time to the rehearsal. I was glad Joe went to get his tux on Wednesday night, because some of the guys had to get theirs after sitting in traffic. Poor Seth had a shirt with very few buttons and his pants had a bit of a problem before the reception started. Jake joined mom and the girls for manicures and pedicures and lunch at the Olive Garden. He was a very good sport with all the "girly" things. The groom's dinner was at the Ferber's Cabin, which was a great place for the adults and little kids to relax. I had a hard time sleeping that night. I think I was just too excited! Both my mom and I were up from 3:00 to 5:00. Hailey-Bug was so tired! The boys slept very well, of course. It was fun to get my hair done and have a little time away from being a mommy. Hailey was so adorable getting pampered. Jamie painted her nails while she was having her hair done. She asked me to blow on her nails to get them to dry. I cannot wait to see the pictures of that!

The day was very warm, but not as hot as we had expected. It did get pretty warm in the church. Everyone made it through the ceremony. Many tears were shed by the big sister of the groom. Let's just say it was a very emotional weekend! At the end of the ceremony, after the couple kissed, Hailey joined both Matt and Katie and walked down the aisle with them. I thought this was a very special moment for all three of them.

It was great to see so many of Matt and Katie's friends and family at the reception. I had a good time catching up with my cousins, some old family friends, and of course Brittany! Matt and Katie's group of friends, mainly from Bemidji, is so much fun! They have a unique way of making you feel part of their group. Jake tried to make it until the first dance, but he wasn't able to stay awake. Grandma and Grandpa Bien to the rescue! I am sure they had more fun than either Joe and I did (well...maybe!). By the end of the reception, I was holding a very tired flower girl, who did not want to go to the hotel room to sleep. She had a busy weekend and did not want to miss out on any of the fun. It was so cute to see her dance with her daddy! I tried to hold her and dance with her as long as possible, but finally we just sat down and watch everyone else dance. She finally fell asleep and Papa carried her back to the room. I was finally able to sleep last night for a few hours, which felt so good. I had to listen to a lot of snoring though!

We are so happy for Matt and Katie as they begin a new chapter of their lives together. It is so fun to watch them laugh and smile together =). They are perfect for each other.

Well, after a weekend of many tears, my contacts are not wanting to stay in any longer. I think it is a sign telling me to go to bed!!