The Godfather Gets Married, Part I

Dan got married this weekend. Around here, he's known as "Uncle Dan" . . . Jim's dear friend from college, Meg's Godfather. He and his girlfriend Tracey have been together for about five years now, and this weekend they were wed in a very intimate and lovely ceremony in Decatur. Our family was invited to take part in this great occasion . . . and, as you can imagine, we were delighted to oblige. A tux was rented. A flower girl dress was purchased. And a wonderful wedding was enjoyed by all.


The weekend started on Thursday . . . the Bachelor Party and all the fun (and hangovers) that brings. Jim returned from Charlotte Thursday evening and proceeded directly to Buckhead to join the guys for one last night of unmarried antics with Dan. I'm not sure exactly what went on (nor do I really care to know) . . . but there was an I-Phone video taken of Dan on Friday morning that the guys could not get enough of watching. I, on the other hand, caught a brief glimpse of Dan recovering from his bachelor party and had seen enough. Use your imagination of what goes on post-drinking-binge, and you'll probably have enough, too.

I'm glad Dan had such a great time :) He totally diserved it, and his friends did, too.

Friday was the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Meg, looking forward to her role as one of the flower girls in the wedding, was very, very excited to 'prac-kiss' walking down the aisle at the rehearsal. She and I had talked about it, and she knew that her job that night was to practice walking down the aisle just like she would do on Saturday at the wedding.

We arrived at the church about 20 minutes early (because you never can get the timing just with Atlanta traffic) . . . so we encouraged Meg to test out the aisle and walk from the back to the front of the church. Jim and I modeled. Meg watched and learned. And then she did exactly as we had done . . . over and over and over. And over. Up and back, back and forth, she walked herself down the aisle . . . too fast the first few times, but slower and slower with each passing. After about 15 minutes of goofing off and practicing, Meg totally had the hang of it. Then, whenever a new wedding party member arrived, Meg would introduce herself and say, "Meg have to prac-kiss . . ." and walk down the aisle again.

I'm surprised we didn't wear a path in the concrete floor of the church . . . Meg practiced that much.

The rehearsal went as all rehearsals do . . . the minister having trouble getting everyone's attention because we were all so happy and excited about the event, the kids getting restless, hugs and kisses shared, introductions made. It was really very plesant and perfectly timed. When all was said and done and we had practiced leaving the sanctuary, off we went to the rehearsal dinner.

I think I forgot to mention that Kate came along with our family to the Friday night festivities . . . we wanted to enjoy the evening with her, show her off a bit. She was such a good baby to have along. She sat in Jim's arms during the entire rehearsal, then napped a brief bit on the ride to dinner. Kate, our blessing and perfect baby, was sad that she was going to miss the wedding itself, but I'm sure she enjoyed the rehearsal and dinner that she attended.

The dinner was at Sweet Melissa's in Decatur . . . and breakfast/lunch place that was open only for us that evening for dinner. Family style entrees were served, and Jim and I enjoyed the evening with some friends that we don't get to see enough of. By about 8:30, the girls were TAPPED OUT . . . so tired and ready for bed. This exhaustion manifested itself differently in both of our daughters. For Kate, it brought on some crankiness and 'sputtering' (as I call it) as she tried to fight sleep and wished she were home in her own bed. For Meg, however, her tired state brought on a last burst of energy . . . which enabled her to run through the restaurant and dance on the stage in her striped PJs I had changed her into to make the car-to-bed transition easier.

Easier for me? Oh, NO. Easier for Nana Dahlby. We were so lucky that she was in town this weekend . . . and willing to come into Decatur to pick up both girls around 8:30pm. She wisked them off to Marietta and left Jim and I to eat, drink, and have kidless fun.

With the kids gone, we were total party animals. Jim and I stayed out with the wedding party until after midnight . . . which happens so rarely these days. I knew I'd be tired (and probably have a headache) on Saturday morning, but I didn't care for a second. I enjoyed being with my husband and our friends. It felt good to be out and about, celebrating with everyone about after dark. It made me feel like I'm not too old . . . like more than just Meg and Kate's mom . . . to be out with adults having adult conversation. I think I need more of that. (Not necessarily the drinking and all . . . but the adult interaction . . . it does a body good.)

Saturday came about 5 hours after Friday night ended, which (for a mom of two little ones) is never easy. But it was the wedding day, so we were excited and tried to shake off our sleepiness. Meg took it easy all morning, the napped early in preparation for the night ahead. Mommy and Daddy did the same (minus the nap), and got everything ready for the party.

Then, it was back in the car and off to Decatur again for the big event.

(Part II to come . . . )