Final California photos

What a way to start April Fool's Day. We've finally made it to the last of the photos. These are mostly wedding photos and are of people I know quite well. So this may not be very interesting to many, especially if you aren't into seeing wedding shots.


We pick up with Joseph's brother Bob now at the church. Here he is getting his boutonniere,


as were the rest of the groomsmen.


There were smiles all around


and a church filled with beautiful flowers and organza.


The back of the wedding announcement said it all.


I took lots of photos


of the church,

the mission style furniture,


and the flowers.

Although this was not my first Catholic wedding, they are always quite different.


My friend Troy saying a prayer before the service,


and Joseph's mother waiting to be seated.


Some people gathered in the back of the church,


while others took their seats quickly,


eagerly awaiting the event.


It wouldn't


be long now.


Joseph and Meredith exchanged vows,


then everyone stood for final words.


The reception was held at a Lake Club, and each of the tables had one of these lovely centerpieces.


The tables looked full even before any food was served.


Some of my friends who attended the wedding.


Joel flew in from western Kansas after a snow storm derailed him for a day.


Other friends came who Joseph and I have known for years.


And of course, Joseph's 3 sisters and one sister-in-law would be joined soon by Joseph's wife.


But for now, they were just cutting up, even as the lights dimmed.


All eyes were on Joseph and Meredith entering the room.


They looked so happy,


and unfortunately I didn't get a good photo of their first dance. Everything was jumbled.


Later, when the lights were on again, Meredith's father presented his toast to the couple,


then Joseph's father gave his toast.


Sadly, I didn't get a good photo of the shaker that Joseph and Meredith had made for each person. They were passed out before one of the songs was played and you can see the heart is made from both their thumb prints. Very clever, indeed.

I admit, I had a wonderful time after we returned to the hotel, and stayed up all night. Unfortunately I left my camera in one of the rooms and only remembered it the next day, just as Beau was checking out and leaving the hotel. I was very lucky, because it was laying right by the telephone in his room. I couldn't believe I had misplaced it twice. I think I need a strap or something for it. Other than that, the entire night was fun, especially after everyone and everything (including the booze and flowers) got to the hotel.


The next day Scott and I joined several people on the patio, as we waited for Scott's dad to get there for us. The coffee was perfect, and the paper cozies can be altered.


Friends joined us


and we laughed and shared thoughts about the night before.


I could tell Scott's dad was tired when he arrived to pick us up. After all, he had already driven over six hours. He relaxed while we said our good-byes to others, including Joseph and Meredith who were on their way to the airport that would take them to Belize.





It took forever to get out of the city. I didn't think we would ever make it. In fact, it took us until nearly midnight to get to Kingman, AZ, where we once again spent the night at Rusty's friend's house. And it was about that time that I started getting sick. I slept through the night, and slept most of the way home.

I am not sure when I started getting sick, but I know I'm still not well. Just when I think I'm better, I get sick again, just like I did yesterday. However, one thing I know for sure. Monday I will be heading to the post office, since it appears the postal people are not planning to bring my mail to me. So I hope I have nothing important waiting on me, like a big bar of chocolate or something similar! Have a great weekend everyone.