Happily Havre After: June's Highlight!

On June 28, 2013, our youngest child tied the knot! It's really hard to explain how happy we are for him. How happy we are for both of them, Ethan and Sofie!!

Sometimes I wish I was a real writer and could do justice to events in my life. Like this one, especially! Instead I'll just chronicle what all took place.

We flew home on the 21st and were met at the airport by Leah and the kids (Gavin, Beau, Teagan, and Beckham). We had a good time with them and spent the night there, at the Silvas. Sadie, our dog, was pretty happy to see us and I really do think she remembered us. The next day Amy and girls, Ally, the kids and Eric, her boyfriend, and Ethan and Sofie came up and we all had a big party!! Most everyone swam and Matt cooked a great BBQ!

Cammy, Josh and family got there Monday, I think it was. We got to see our new grandson for the first time!!! Tysen is SOOOO cute!! And so happy and not one bit afraid of either of us, or anybody for that matter. He is such a good natured baby, so fat and healthy! He was born in January.

Tuesday Ethan took Sofie through the Temple for her endowments. Several extended family members were there and some close friends. It was a wonderful and spiritual time for all of us but especially for Ethan and Sofie, and all us parents. On Sofie's side there were her mom's parents and her dad's mother.

Later that night friends and family gave a terrific bridal shower for Sofie at Candy Melville's house. It was so good to see so many friends I hadn't seen in awhile.

The rest of the week was spent doing yard-work, painting the new deck, planning for the reception and stressing out. Not too bad though. I really did okay.

Ivy, Daniel and kids arrived on Thursday morning and later stayed at Doug and Suvi's house. Howard and Steve arrived in early afternoon and Colter (Adam), Ally, Eric and kids and Cady and Mikey got there soon after for the family BBQ (Larry flew in the next day for the Temple pictures and reception) and everyone was there by around 2pm. All Sofie's family seemed to be there and to be having fun. The yard looked really nice, after a lot of worry. Later the Cabreras started decorating the yard for the reception. I was still busy in the house, cleaning bathrooms, etc. By the time they left it looked so cute! What they did with the yard was amazing.

The next morning we all got ready for the sealing. We got there in plenty of time and all enjoyed the peaceful wait until finally the sealer came in and it was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard or seen! Sofie was beautiful and radiant and Ethan was happy beyond anything.

We all met outside the Temple and waited for them to come out. There were a ton of people there! Friends and family on both sides. Kali Leinstra, one of Leah's best high school buddies, did the photography and we are anxiously awaiting the results! She is a very successful and popular wedding photographer and we were lucky to have her.

Later, at the homestead, people started arriving for the reception. There were signs made by Colter at the end of the driveway giving directions for parking. People came down a path to the front of the house and on further to the deck entrance. Jon Krause was our DJ and he did a wonderful job and had great sound equipment, and lighting for the trees and backyard.

It was beautiful!!! I think everyone had fun and we estimated there were around 400 people there. Dennie's cousin Ruth came from Northern California and we had a good visit with her. Some of Ethan's best high school friends came, that he hadn't seen in a long time. It meant a lot to us to see how many people came to help us celebrate this wonderful occasion.

I'm glad it's all over. It was quite an ordeal but very beautiful and I don't think I've ever seen a happier couple, except for me and Dennie/Dad!!!!!

Most of the kids stayed a few more days and we had another party up at Leah's house. It was so neat to get all the cousins together for swimming and fun. They get along so well and have so much fun.

Here are some pictures of our first BBQ at Leah's house...