Wedding Bliss

So like I said, we've been busy.

I had gotten good at updating the blog at night, after the girls were in bed. I just don't have it in me right now to do anything other than crash right after they do. (Did I really update regularly before? I think I may have had my moments, but I also may be dreaming.)

Hosting Austen's birthday party, Aunt Stacey's wedding shower, and rehearsal bbq dinner, and the wedding this past Sunday (all of these in a span of three weeks, and don't forget that we work full time and raise kids), and I'm training for my first half marathon. It's no 26.2, but it's a commitment if I want to run the race comfortably next weekend.  

This is all good stuff, don't get me wrong (and we were happy to host all that we did!). It's just a lot all at once.

The wedding turned out so perfectly, and Stacey and Aaron were a stunning bride and groom. All four of us Collins Clan were part of the wedding party, and I was pleasantly surprised with how the girls pulled off their flower girl duties. They really outdid themselves, if you ask me. I may have cried as they came down the aisle, perfectly placing their flower petals (okay, Austen not so much until the very end) as they slowly made their way toward the front. Kaitlyn, bless her little heart, did her "I'm trying not to smile" face all the way until the very end when she couldn't hold it anymore and beamed up at me, knowing that she had done well, and that she was a princess for the day with her sister, mama, and Aunt Stacey (Stacey being THE princess of the day, of course!) Melt.My.Heart.

And Austen, oh our bold little Austen Jean...she followed her big sister like a pro - because, you know, that's what she does best - and I couldn't have been prouder of our big two year old being the perfect flower girl.

Then came Stacey; a beautiful, graceful bride. And her new hubby, Aaron; such a genuinely good person, waiting for his bride with tears in his eyes. I love weddings. :)

And some pictures from my camera:

Pete Rose was at the hotel while we were doing pictures, so we did the decent thing and interrupted his family time to get a few shots with him. Don't know who he is? I didn't, either. :)

Sweet, 2 year old Jacoby, Aaron's son - snoozin' in style during the reception

Warmin' up the dance floor

Jeff, Jackson, and Austen

LOVE THIS

When a guy reaches out to touch his bride, it's a good sign of who he is and how he feels, in my random opinion

Best buds since elementary

Okay, this DJ is the best ever. I highly, highly recommend him for weddings. He is "Donny the DJ," and I believe you can look up his info. by searching for that name. If not, and you are interested, send me a message and I'll give it to you.
He DJed Mollie and Jayson's wedding, and Jeff and I knew we had to have him. He's still the best I've seen/heard. He is personal and funny, and does a wonderful job involving the guests and moving the night along just right.
You would think that a guy in suspenders, converse, and dorky glasses blowing bubbles during your first dance would be obnoxious. Somehow, he pulls it off and makes it a fun, memorable part of the evening.
Did I mention that he's awesome? If you are getting married or know someone who is, give him a call! His rates are reasonable, too.

Father-daughter dance with Roger

Donny the DJ

Power nap!

Typical :)

And what follows is a series of dancing pictures. You'll notice a few things: My dancing is...well, I have fun. Kaitlyn has definitely learned her moves from Mama, and no comments from anyone about whether that's a good thing. We had a blast. :) This is one way to burn off a big dinner and wedding cake!

Improv dance routine with this fun young lady

Love this guy. And love that we had just danced to Greenday. I think it was off of "Dave - August 1999"

Kaitlyn took over the dance floor at some point. Once she got her groove, she was in it till the end.

Good times were had by all, and Stacey and Aaron will live happily ever after, I'm sure.

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And some piggy pictures, because this started as a catch-up picture dump and turned into the wedding post:

Waiting in Mama's classroom

And ending with some weekend-morning coloring: