Wedding in Lancaster

On Friday Dan and I headed out to Lancaster for the wedding of a younger sister of a close friend of mine. We stayed at the Tea Kettle Inn Bed & Breakfast. This was my view as I ate my breakfast of fresh fruit, lemon poppysead bread, and orange walnut waffles. This picture doesn't show it, but through the window I could see a lovely little fountain, and our hosts were playing relaxing George Winston piano music in the background. Just wonderful. On Saturday morning we had some time before the 2:00 wedding, so we walked around historic downtown Lititz, PA. The picture below is of a chocolate castle complete with Rapunzel at Wilbur's Chocolate Factory. I was expecting an assembly line room like on I Love Lucy (remember the chocolate episode where Lucy can't package the chocolate quickly enough, so she starts eating it and shoving it in her hat? Hilarious!) But the ladies stirring vats of chocolate in the background were as close as we got to anything like that. At a park in Lititz. My friend's two kids were the flower girl and ring bearer. They were so tired! They fell asleep right on their daddy!

Me with my friend, Charity. She's due with her third child on June 1. Everyone's prayers were answered, and the baby didn't make his or her debut before the wedding!
Carl, his wife Elizabeth, Crystal, Justin, Nate, and Charity Carl, Elizabeth, Carl Jr. (bride's dad), Glenda (bride's mom), Crystal, Justin, Nate and Charity and family

Between the wedding and reception we had some time to walk around historic downtown Lancaster.

The reception was in a beautiful Elk's Lodge in Lancaster. We assumed we'd sit at table 23 with the bridal party rejects (spouses, etc.). But we were shocked and honored to sit at the same table with the bride's parents and family! I've thought of these guys as family since we spent many weeks at summer family camp together. Their cabin was definitely the popular hang out and I practically lived there during camp. So we had a great time catching up on everyone's lives.

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Sisters! (I just loved Crystal's halter-style wedding dress) Crystal and Justin - The table centerpieces were these unique glasses filled with dyed liquid. The candles in the center actually floated up as they burned. Very pretty and different!

Some pictures of the boys

Isaiah in the baby carrier

We had the baby carrier out for my neice Karis when she was here to visit last weekend. Somehow Isaiah thought it would be fun to strap himself into it. So like a good mom, instead of helping him out right away, I got it on video.

Frustration

Isaiah and Samuel both have ear infections. Isaiah's are much worse than Sam's. Isaiah's attitude is questionable on a good day. When he is sick he is just a beast... constant thumb sucking, whining, and refusing to obey anyone. No discipline method works, and everyone ends up frustrated.

Isaiah has been on an antibiotic since Monday, which makes me think that by now he would have some relief. So then I wonder if his attitude is just horrible. It makes me question my ability to parent my boys. It makes me wonder if I am teaching them anything useful. I want to teach them how to be considerate and kind to other people. I want to teach them to think of others before themselves. I realize my expectations are too high (like usual), and that they are only eighteen months and almost four.

It's just been a frustrating day, and I'm so looking forward to getting away with Dan to Lancaster tomorrow!

Jon and Lacy's Wedding

We had a great time at my cousin Jonathan's wedding today. Here are a few thoughts and a few pics:

• My kids need to get out more. They were so excited to stay in a hotel room last night that they didn't know what to do with themselves. They were amazed at the little fridge and the lights that came out from the wall. Sam was so excited he climbed up on the couch and stood on its arm. Little 18 month old monkey.
• The wedding was beautiful! Their colors were white and blue. I decided that royal blue is is flattering on most people. The wedding went off without any problems, as far as I know.
• I really like playing for weddings.
• A Christian marriage is a sacred thing.

Sam and my Aunt Janet (mother of the groom) Sam and my dad Jon and Lacy cutting their cake. They fed it to each other very nicely. Way to love each other! Me with Grandma

Three sexy ladies - We tried to convince my mom to go catch the garter with the single ladies, but she blatantly refused. Isaiah was NOT cooperating. It was a long day for the boys and they were exhausted. Had to have a picture of me with my honey. Sisters Katherine and me with Dad

Cousins! Katherine and me with the Groom