My girls and I are back from our road trip out east. We left very, very early Thursday morning with my parents for a family wedding in Philadelphia. We drove to Pittsburgh the first day, then a short day to Philly. My dad was performing the wedding and wanted to rest before the rehearsal.
While they were at the rehearsal, the girls and I had pizza with my sister. Not long after we finished, my other sister arrived from Chicago and we had some great girl time. The cousins had a ball together.
Saturday started with a swim for the kids and a visit to my cousin’s house for the older set. This is the cousin that is closest to me in age and we’ve always had a great time together. It was so good to see her and to talk to her for a while.
The wedding was outside. The weather turned chilly in the afternoon, but the service was gorgeous. Alyssa and I loved the dresses. Afterward, we had hot cider and appetizers, but the cold drove us inside. The reception was in “The Barn”. It was rustic and fun. This is some of my family. In the front, L to R: my aunt, my dad, my uncle. In the back, L to R: my cousin Hillie, her son, and the father of the groom.
Who says Frisians can’t dance? Even us “middle aged” people had a great time moving to the music though we petered out sooner than the young kids. And we agreed the music was loud – must be that we are getting old!
Sunday we did make church in the morning and then enjoyed a BBQ at my cousin’s (the mother of the groom) house. They live in a house from the 1700s which they have remodeled and filled with antiques. I love it. I got to spend a lot of time talking to my family members. I’ll share those stories tomorrow.
As we left, I fought back tears. We hadn’t seen each other for nine years and I don’t know when the next time will be. My aunt and uncle are aging. I hugged them extra hard and told them how much I love them. This was the hardest leaving I’ve ever had.
Weddings are a wonderful, joyous time in life. They are a celebration of love and of God’s goodness and provision. That’s what this weekend was for my family. The nine years melted away and the conversation flowed as if we had only been apart for a day.
What special family events have you had the privilege to attend?
PS – sorry about the lack of pictures. My family needs to post some to Facebook or email me some (hint, hint LOL!)
Felicity says
It’s always so good to meet up with family you haven’t seen for a long time, and so sad to say goodbye again..
I’m glad you got to go to this.
The most special family get together I’ve ever attended was my paternal grandmother’s 90th birthday. She passed away a few months before her 91st. I’m so glad we got to celebrate with her!
Liz Tolsma says
That’s so special, Felicity! And a good reminder that we need to spend the time with our loved ones while we can.