Aside from the fact that I didn't give a shout out via cyberspace to our amazing troops on America's birthday, my 4th of July weekend was fantastic! We could not have had a better time at Amanda & Shane's wedding weekend spent with family and friends.
I didn't need to do my usual ab workout each day because I was literally in hysterics all weekend long. I forgot just how funny we can all be when together especially with the addition of our crazy California cousin, bro-in-law Peter, bro-in-law-to-be Rhino (as Kendahl now calls Ryan), and adopted bro David. And let's not forget the All-Star MVP groomsman of the weekend a lifetime, Kenny Hodge.
Baby Collins & I
Kenny, the man
From the moment we arrived, it was non-stop laughter & fun with sarcastic twists, tummy-tickling jokes, and sentimental speeches. Thursday we enjoyed a girls lunch with the immediate family while the guys had tuxedo duty. Then we joined forces with the Coates family for dinner at Champs. Per the usual, we were a loud and rowdy bunch. The party carried over to the hotel where we ordered drinks and played our infamous game of pictionary, Collins Family style.
Friday was kicked off with manicures and pedicures courtesy of the bride followed by a brunch at the Coates' house. The guys teed off in the am with the fierce Midwestern sun and humidity. Our family set up for the rehearsal dinner Friday, then headed back to The Lexington Hotel to shower and get ready for a roasting evening. Cocktails and appetizers were enjoyed on the patio with dinner and dessert inside doting an intimate setting. The food was delicious and the drinks were flowing as evident by the bar tab. The theme was car-related with centerpieces and tables named after classic cars my dad & papa once owned. Favors included mini-car candles. Dad lead off with a welcome toast after the video we worked on in May noting Amanda & Shane's growth as individuals and as a couple. The 3 sisters followed up after to toast and roast our 4th sister. We had the place laughing and crying for a good 15 minutes. A few more speeches were made including the oh so classic Kenny Hodge and his demonstration of the tease, tease, punish dance that he was famous for in college. The night ended with more cocktails and stories told by great family and friends.
Tay, David, Kendahl, & Peter
Little Brother & I
Next to be wed ;)
Bride & Groom
Saturday the guys went for round 2 of golf while the girls got a little beauty rest before being treated to hair appointments. We sipped on champagne and croissants while recounting the evening prior. Hopping in the limo early afternoon, we took a few photos at the Lansing Park, a gorgeous setting for capturing memories. Next up was Eagle Eye, the lovely establishment of the nuptials, where we got dolled up in our dresses. We took a few snapshots, spent 15 minutes putting Bishop in his tuxedo, and peered out the window to see guests arriving. Before we knew it, it was show time! The ceremony was wonderful with only a few hiccups courtesy of the Michigan winds, and the reception was one for the books. There was lots of laughs, dancing, conversing, cake eatting, drinking, more dancing, and more cake eatting. We had a sibling dance party and my parents got down to some pretty hilarious rap songs. Our little cousins were doing the splits and requesting The Doogie. Everyone left a hot, sweaty mess and all smiles.
Tyler, Shane, & AJ
Eagle Eye
Collin, Albert, Tyler, & AJ
Tay & I
Bishop, the ring bearer
Bridesmaids
The wedding ceremony
Cake
Siblings
Gorgeous view
Ryan & I
Mom & dad gettin' down
Sunday we gathered for a farewell brunch at the Coates' home. Recounts of the night got us rolling laughing as we called out hilarious moments from the wedding. A few gifts were opened and we ventured back to the hotel. As ADD as our family manages to be, we headed to the pool for some swim time. I held Collins while the rest splashed, played, and relaxed in the hot tub. Apres these little activities, we cleaned up and grabbed our final family dinner of the weekend together at Houlihans. Another rioting experience as stories were told and the boys (Bishop, Tyler, & AJ) raced around the restaurant.
My little niece
My little nephew
As if the weekend could get any more silly, we rapped up the visit with a slumber party-esque event. We all gathered in mom & dad's room with our pj's on and prepped for game time. Our game turned into trivia questions that we wrote on a whiteboard...not your normal trivia questions though. Of course. Coupled with Taylor's rendition of the Star Spangled Banner (several, several times singing screaming into dad's ear), we were peeing our pants all the way to bed.
It is suffice to say that I have a pretty awesome family and am so lucky to be able to share moments and make memories with them. Looking forward to being home in a month and creating more stories to be told!
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