The Reception...

We went home and grabbed a bite to eat then loaded up to go set up the reception. Several lovely ladies had come over and put together all the fruit kabobs for me while we were at the wedding. They looked beautiful! Many thanks to Linda and Kathryn Hansen, Diane Tuckett, Kelly Laing and Amy Hintze. Couldn't have done it without them! The kabobs looked so beautiful on the trays, I wish we had taken a picture before so many had been taken off the trays! We had meatballs, bowls of strawberries and bananas (cut in half) PBJ kabobs for the kids, and Kristen's Brazilian friend made some cheesy Brazilian bread that Kristen loves (I don't think they even show up in the picture)and these yummy Brazilian chocolate treats that were to die for! I have to get the recipe! The food was beautiful AND delicious! We had a S'mores bar because Kristen really wanted one. She said sometimes people at receptions get bored and how fun would it be to make a s'more! Even though it was quite warm, we kept ice in trays under the chocolates and it was all wonderful. Eric and Randa supervised that area for us. We just had coals in little terra cotta pots. It worked pretty good. 

We appreciate all the people who helped us set up and who manned stations for us all evening. The cake turned out beautiful. We bought a plain cake from Sam's Club and Britani put the flowers on it for us (since Shawna was out of town!) We did fairy lights and hydrangeas in the lanterns on the tables and everything looked so lovely in purple and blue. Those were my wedding colors by the way...a huge shout out to Raemi Stanworth who helped hem all the squares to go under the lanterns! I would never have finished them by myself! The reception was in the yard of one of Kristen's cousins. Everything was so pretty and green. It was the perfect back drop for a reception! I think Joel and Kristen were pleased. I was sad they didn't have a chance to sit down and eat though...I don't think they got ANY of the food! More pictures to come...

A few more pics...

Just a few more shots from the temple grounds before we rushed off to get the reception set up. A beautiful shot of the Angel Moroni and the architecture of this beautiful temple. A few more pics that I really liked, and a few of the kids waiting patiently for pictures. It should be noted that Clark watched all four kids while we were in the temple. Superman! And I of course love the pics of my kids and grandchildren! They are all so beautiful to me!

I thought this was so cute of Kristen! 

Look at all those groomsmen and bridesmaids! I am glad Joel and Kristen have so many friends!

My kids - and my bonus kids! Love them all!

Another group shot, this time Kristen's parents are in it...

 My darling grands...

More wedding pics...

Here are some shots with the groomsmen, the bridesmaids, the whole group of us, and some sweet shots of Joel and Kristen. We are so excited to welcome this sweet girl into our family!! I was so glad Clif, Lindsay and Clark made it from California. I was sad that Ashley wasn't with us. There is always one missing! Grateful most of us could be together. We love you Joel and Kristen!

Wedding Day!!

It was a beautiful morning at the Provo City Center Temple! 8-10-2018. They picked this date so it would be a palindrome. We so appreciate all the family and friends that came to support Joel and Kristen. After their beautiful and sweet ceremony we all went out and waited in the lovely gazebo until their names were announced to be the next ones out. Then we gathered around and it was so fun to watch them come through those doors! Kristen's sister was in charge of carrying all the important stuff. She did a great job being by Kristen's side. Kristen looked beautiful and Joel was so handsome, it was just a lovey morning! We took some pictures around the temple grounds and we are very grateful to John McKinney and his daughter Katie Anderson who took all the photos! They did a great job!

 This is Kristen's missionary companion, she was cute and had a great sense of humor. She was one of many bridesmaids.

 Shawna made such beautiful flowers! 

 With the parents...

 My kids! Just missing Ashley...

 

Kristen's cute sparkly shoes!  A lot more pictures to come...hang on tight!

Jacob turns 8!

Jacob had the water slide bounce house party for his birthday. It is always fun for them to play in the water! He will be getting baptized in September. Can't believe he is 8 already! 

Sneak Peek...

I was honored to be invited to go see Kristen try on her wedding dress. It is beautiful! She is beautiful! It will be amazing. It was really fun to be there and get to see it and feel like a mom. Her step-mom lives in Oregon so it was her sister and I there with her. Also, I have been busy picking up table cloths, getting chalkboards ready, and Kristen and I went with our sweet neighbor Shawna Powell to pick out the flowers that Shawna will arrange for us. Shawna's daughter Britani did the handwriting on the chalkboards freehand and quick and slick! What a talent! Anyway, it's getting more busy and more real! Here's a tiny sneak peek! Three more days!

Annie!

 After seeing the play Annie with the boys, I really wanted Lilly to see it too. And I always like to go a second time! It was just as fun again and Lilly really liked it too! We love our little Hale Center Theater in Orem.

Bridal shower for Kristen...

Kristen's sister threw a bridal shower for her. Her singles ward friends had given her one earlier. this was a small shower but fun. We met one of her former companions from the mission field and heard some fun stories. The food was good and it was fun to see Kristen get some nice gifts. Amanda and I were excited to be there and support our newest family member!