New Family

Andy's little brother, Josh, came home on leave last week from his Army training and got married. He didn't give us much warning that this was what he was planning, and I must admit that I panicked a good bit. Josh had just turned 14 when I started dating Andy, and I have watched him grow up. I very much consider him a little brother.

So, I have annoyingly picked and picked at him over the last couple of weeks, dragging every tiny little bit of information out of him that I could about this mystery girl that he was going to marry. It is really hard to drag information out of little brothers who are 1000 miles away. Guilt still works some, but the pouty face doesn't work as well over the phone.

Finally, I got to meet her.

And I loved her!

Suddenly, life was much easier again.

Now, I know I should have trusted him all along to pick a wonderful woman, but the protective gene came out just a little. He really should have just given me her phone number several weeks ago. I think he was afraid I would scare her away - little old me - Surely I am not that scary?!

Perhaps when I look like this... but that isn't too often, and thank goodness for what those foil highlights accomplish!

The wedding party.

Almost all relatives - poor Joe, no uniform, or blood. That is one really good best friend!

Her daughter Anistyn (finally, a girl in the family!) was the flower girl and Zion was the Ring Bearer.

They both look eager to cooperate in this picture.

Anistyn still looks like she is going to cooperate in this picture, but Zion is looking unsure.

Since this wedding was planned on short notice, and with one party in CA, one in Alabama, and the location in GA, it was slightly haphazard. At the last minute I ended up directing "traffic". As in, Groom - Go.

(He doesn't look nervous, does he?!)

Bridesmaids - Go. Kids who are pulling out the runner - Go.

Anistyn declared she was not going to walk down that aisle. Zion refused to go without her. Tara, the bride, just wanted to walk down herself and didn't want to deal with the stress. So, I ended up carrying the flower girl down the aisle, while holding Zion's hand.

Last minute addition to the wedding!

After it was all over, Zion was perfectly happy, and loving that ring pillow!

Here are two different versions of the family picture of our new, expanded family.

Don't the little ones look excited?

I had to put this one - classic Andy and Josh pose.

At the Reception Canaan decided he wanted a "grown up" meal. It was as big as him, but he dug in with relish. There was enough left over for Andy to have for lunch the next day!

Zion declared his French Fry was a mustache.

My boys were a little "wired" for dinner that night!

This picture shows Josh being awful, smearing the cake on his new wife's face. (Sorry Tara!)

It also shows most of the beautiful cake that my mother-in-law, Ellen, made. Isn't she talented?

Tara proudly showed off Josh's handiwork.

The great-grandboys with their Granny.

It was a great party, a fun time, and I am very excited to see where God takes this couple next.

Congratulations Josh and Tara. Blessings to you!