There's No Place Like Home -Part 1

We (our little family of 4) just got home from an 8 day road trip/ vacation to Kansas City and Tulsa, Oklahoma. We had a wonderful time but we're also happy to be home too.

Let's see, where to begin?

We started out in Kansas City to be a part of Nate's (Caleb's brother) wedding. Remember this post? Nate and Amanda tied the knot on Saturday June 4th and it was seriously one of the most unique (unique in a really good way) and fun weddings I've ever been to. We all had a blast!

Elliana was the flower girl and Caleb was the best man. They both did very well at their roles. :)



Amanda (the bride) has a very unique sense of style (I LOVE it) and it definitely shined through at this wedding. They didn't go with traditional matching bridesmaid dresses and black tuxes. Instead, they opted for an old fashioned, vintage look. I felt like I had stepped back in time a bit. The groomsmen all wore gray pants, white button up shirts and mis-matched ties and fun socks. The bridesmaids all wore mis-matched old fashioned looking dresses. I SO wish I had gotten a picture of the dresses and guys outfits but trust me, it all looked GREAT together!

The reception was at this great venue named the "Main Street Cafe". It was a great room that had groupings of couches, a stage, mirrors all over the walls, and it all looked a little mis-matched and old fashioned too. It just had a fun overall feel to it. Instead of your traditional sit down dinner, Amanda and Nate had a dessert table with little cakes, cookies on a stick, cinnamon rolls on a stick, caramel apples, a coffee/ latte bar, and pizza. So them, and so much fun!





This was my FAVORITE part of the reception, and I expect many brides to steal this idea. Instead of having a guest book for everyone to sign, Nate and Amanda came up with the idea to have a "photo booth". It wasn't really a photo booth though-it was even better! Whoever wanted to would go up on stage, pick a "prop"- they had sombrero hats, HUGE sunglasses, fake mustaches, boas, etc., and pose for one of the photographers taking pictures of everyone. Then you would sign under your picture. All of the pictures will go in a book for Nate and Amanda. Again, so much fun!



And the dancing, oh the dancing! First of all, Nate and Amanda took lessons for their first dance and it was amazing! They did a choreographed fast dance. It was part swing dancing and part, well, who knows but it was FANTASTIC! I wish I was cool enough to pull off a first dance like that. I also wish I had gotten it on camera.

Ellie came alive as soon as the dancing started and she became the center of attention for a short time. To say she enjoyed herself would be a HUGE understatement. She was having so much fun that we stayed well past her bed time.

I had to share some of the funny things Ellie said to Caleb and I during the reception. Caleb took Ellie to another room to change her diaper. Over and over she kept saying "We're not leaving are we Daddy? We're not leaving, right? I want to dance with all the peoples!"

As the night was coming to an end Ellie and I were in another side room and she sat down on the floor. I said "Are you finally tired little miss?" She suddenly looked up at me with big eyes and said "Mommy!! I forgot... to DANCE!" She then jumped up and ran back to the dance floor.

If you want to see Ellie in action, check out these videos of her on the dance floor:






I am so kicking myself for not taking more pictures, but with my hands full of taking care of Ellie and Ethan, I did the best I could. Would you believe I didn't even get a picture of the bride and groom?! I know, I know, no good! But I will share pictures that others took as soon as I can. :) Here are just a few good pictures that I took at the wedding:

Here is Nate holding Ethan and giving him a bottle. Aren't they handsome?! ;-)



Here is Elliana with her cousins. That's Nehemiah to her left. He was the ringbearer. Abby is to her right and she handed out the programs.



And this just might be my new favorite picture of Ellie and Ethan. :)



Because this post became so long, I've decided to finish up the second part of our trip in another post. I'll be back soon. :)