The big day

The day started early.  I snuck out of the hotel room at 6 am to visit the fitness room because I knew the day would be long and I'd have more energy if I could exercise first.  Then we headed to the reception venue to set up.  They opted for cupcakes for the guests and a small gluten free cake for their cutting cake.  

Here's the gift table, just awaiting gifts.

These were left over decorations that we found a spot for on a mantel in the entry.

Here are the center pieces.  My mom did all the flowers.  My sister collected the jars during their engagement. They cut wood slices from the woods on the farm but all theirs cracked and split as they dried.  They ended up borrowing from a friend. 

I'm sure she got them online somewhere, but these little coloring books were on the tables with kids.  I thought they were a fun touch.

These little paper bags were just waiting to be filled with candy...

At this amazing candy bar!  It seriously was the most well stocked candy bar I've ever seen.  I indulged more than I should have!  She ordered most of it online in pink and white to match her color scheme.  My mom and I moved the jars around for 20 minutes before we got it just right. 

I did most of the chalkboard text last month when we were in town for the shower.  

I loved the guest book table.  I don't think I've seen this idea before.  She asked the guests to write a little note on a card and stick it in a special box marked for different anniversaries.  

I saw people visiting this table all evening adding notes. 

This chickenwire window piece was borrowed from a friend and looked so great as you walked in.  Two sections are engagement photos and the other is the seating chart. 

After we set up, the girls headed off to get their hard done.  Bee liked getting her hair done better than getting her nails done the day before. 

I liked Bee's hair best of all the girls. 

My youngest sister snuck away from camp to join us.   We had some fun together. 

Lots of pictures to follow.  The church was beautiful, the bride was lovely, the guests were all pleasant, it was just a really nice day. 

Then it was off to the church for a wedding.

Sweet hubby and I were enjoying each other's company!

Family selfie.

My sisters and I recreated a photo from my wedding.  Here's this weekend. 

Here's from my wedding in 1999.  

It was one of my favorite photos from the whole day.  Someday we'll do it at the littlest sister's wedding too!

Here's three of my favorite guys, my brother, Lou, and hubby.  Lou and my brother were ushers.  Hubby was one of the groomsmen.  There was drama with the vests, but in a month no one will remember. 

The girls are ready!

They shared a quiet moment together before the ceremony reading the letters they wrote each other in their premarriage classes.  Super sweet. 

The ceremony was held at his family's catholic church.  My sister isn't catholic so it wasn't a mass, just a shorter service.  For those of us who aren't catholic, we were thankful it wasn't 2 hours long. 

I couldn't take any photos during the service of course (this was from a friend), so we'll have to wait for the photographers photos to come in.  Bee did a great job as flower girl and everything went perfectly.  

The church had a huge set of stairs outside and their exit was beautiful. 

Then they came back in for photos.  Lots of photos. 

The kids weren't needed for the next round of photos so they didn't get to ride in the limo with the wedding party.  The driver let them take a little trip around the block though just so they could say they'd ridden in a limo.  I never had either so I was just as excited. 

My mom took the kids back to the hotel for a little down time and the wedding party went on location and took photos all over.  We went to campus and took photos in fun spots like the student union building and other landmarks.  It was a hot afternoon.  Hot.  Hot.  We were so thankful the barn location she wanted as a venue had been booked two years out. So thankful.   

This photo was a sneak preview photo from the photographer Erika.  

First married selfie!

The reception was really wonderful as well.  The candy bar was a big hit.  I gave a toast and didn't vomit before hand.  Dinner was terrific.  And turns out Lou is a dancer!   I was having so much fun I didn't take many pictures.  

As we were leaving, I noticed Bee's well wished for their 5th anniversary.  Good advice.  

rehearsal dinner

The big weekend has come and gone!  Little sister got married!  I thought I'd get rehearsal pictures on one post and wedding in the next.  There were just so many photos!

The practice went well, one of the brides maids and I kept whispering during it and the priest kept giving us the eye.  I guess teachers talk as much in class as the students.  

After the big practice we went out for dinner.  Lou received a gift of the game Beanbozled.  You spin a little spinner and it lands on a color.  That color of jellybelly could be coconut or baby wipes, peace or barf, etc.  Gross.  We all got the gross ones!

technology conference fun

I had the pleasure of attending a three day workshop with 900 of my local (and some not so local) colleges. Several of us from my school attended eRevolution, a technology workshop featuring some of the newest education tech resources and educational implementations.   This photo was at the closing of day three- several had to take off early and missed the photo proof of their attendance. 

My sweet friend Nicci and I presented a three hour workshop on differentiation instruction.  When she called me months ago and asked if I wanted to join her, I thought I might throw up- but said yes before I could change my mind!   I'm so glad it I did.  It was an excellent opportunity to collaborate and share something that I love talking about anyway. 

We presented on the first day and then were free to take in all the other workshops. Each time slot offered 25 or so to choose from.  So much experience and knowledge in one place all from educators wanting to share with their peers.  What a great opportunity!  I got so many new ideas for using technology in my classroom, pieces I can use to organize as a teacher, and just plain old motivation, refreshment, and validation as an educator.  

The library was set up as a technology creative laboratory.  Here, a boy on the host school's robotics team showed a banana piano!   Below, the robotics team was showing off these remote control spheres.  They built a maze to try to navigate the sphere through.  The gym was set up as a maker space with materials for open ended creative projects.   

I have lots of new apps to play with and lots to share.  I'm going to try to do two weeks of posts featuring some of the new material I learned.  I'd also like to write about my presentation, but three hours in one posts is going to be a time commitment to put together... We'll see if I an get it together.