Wedding!

The biggest event of our summer was the wedding of my little brother, Bill, to his wife, Ashlee.  We were so excited to be a part of their special day.  It ended up being a beautiful day in Southern Wisconsin.  Sorry, I don't have any pictures of the ceremony because I was focused on the reading I got to do and Jamie was busy keeping Aden from running around the sanctuary.  However, we got beautiful pictures out by Lake Geneva.  

 My new sister-in-law!  Isn't she gorgeous?

 Hanging out on the pier.

 This is my favorite picture.  Bill was opening a box that contained a cigar cutter he had gotten for his groomsmen, but it fell out and in between the slats of the pier.  This was everyone's reaction.  Don't worry, we were able to get a boy who was in the water nearby to get it (for $5).  

The reception was full of time to play with cousins and other family members.  There was a grass area right outside the reception hall where Aden spent a lot of time.  I don't think he stopped moving all night.

 Aden with cousin Rory.

The morning after the wedding, we had a gift opening for the newly weds.  It was nice to spend just a little more time with Bill, Ashlee, and Ashlee's family before we left.  Aden loved spending time with Uncle Bill and Aunt Ashlee.   

The week before the wedding did involve some wedding prep, but we had a lot of fun as well.  We stayed at the house of some good friends, Marla and Leroy Carlson.  They graciously opened their house to us plus my parents.  Carlson's have a beautiful shelty named Rillian who put up with Aden's affections very well.  Aden's favorite thing to do was throw Rillian's ball for him, but often threw it right at him.  

Having fun with Papa Don's cowboy boots.

A few days before the wedding, Bill came out to the house and brought his motorcycle.  Jamie got the opportunity ride it which got him dreaming about owning one of his own.  Aden was enjoying the bike until it got turned on.  At that point he wanted to be held and would not be put down.

One of the great things about staying at the Carlson's is that their daughter is my best friend.  She came up from Chicago one day to visit with us.  Her son, Asher, came with to play with Aden.  Asher is quite the talker and Aden only says a few words so it was interesting to see them interact.  They actually did a great job playing in the pool and both have an interest in cars/trucks.  

 Asher, Aden, and Jamie playing in the pool

To me, the best thing about the wedding week was spending time with my parents.  We usually go up to Canada to visit them, but decided that since they were coming down for the wedding we weren't going to go up.  It was so much fun having them play with Aden and see how much he has grown since they last saw him.  

Nana taught Aden how to put olives on his fingers and then eat them.

Since the wedding was in my home town, we were able to see a lot of things that brought back old memories.  One day we took Aden to Timber-lee, the camp that I pretty much grew up at.  My dad used to be the ranch director, which is where I spent a lot of time as well.  We took Aden to the petting farm there and it was so much fun seeing Aden enjoy the animals the way I used to.  

 Checking out the baby pigs with Nana!

 He wasn't so sure about the Alpaca.

 Not sure was this face was for but I love it!

Overall, it was a wonderful week.  Congratulations Bill and Ashlee!  Thank you again for including us in your special day.