It's acting up again...

...my wanderlust, that is...how many of these and these (well for that matter, all of these) do you think I can see in my lifetime?!~ I better get started...

(see decent sized map at: http://www.terragalleria.com/parks/info/parks-map.gif)

Remembering....10 years later.

I can't believe how time moves. At times, so fast, at times so slow. Ten years later I still remember. At times it seems like an eternity ago, at times, like it was yesterday. At the time of the 8 year anniversary of a day that changed our world, I wrote this. Today, I re-read it. Today, I remember. Today, I find it difficult to watch the still horrifying scenes of that day. But, today, I still find the unity of our country that bubbled to the surface that day and in the weeks to come, amazing. I still find the heros of that day and of the years to follow truly remarkable. Today, my brother is there. He is at Ground Zero. Working and Remembering and I am sure he is being moved more that he ever thought imaginable. Today, I watch the memorial services from NYC, DC and Pennsylvania. I will never forget.

Photo taken by Frank Culbertson from the International Space Station on 9/11/01.

Nine.Ten.Eleven (Ceremony)

Today, my friend Jamie married her soul mate, Alex. They met in school and went to a few dances together and hung out. After graduation they parted ways and then reconnected and now are husband and wife. Jamie is part of one of my girls groups. The Concordia 4. We would get together once a month, or at least that was our goal, and in most cases we were successful. Sadly, one of our Concordia 4 left for a job in Alaska before Jamie and Alex got married. I took lots of pictures so that Rose could see the events of the day. There are two posts, one with the ceremony, one with the fun of the reception. Forgive the blurry pictures...I was taking them without a flash to prevent being a total nusance.

Jamie and Alex got married in The Old Church in Downtown Portland. Beautiful organ. It was also beautifully hot. (Rose you wouldv'e melted). After seeing how warm the church would be at teh rehearsal, Alex's mom got ahold of a bunch of hand held fans that we all could fan ourselves with, and have a momento to boot.

Flower Girls (nieces of the Bride)
Awaiting the beautiful Bride.

Dad walking daughter down the aisle.

Mom and Dad giving the Bride to the Groom.

The message.

The vows.

The Kiss.

The Mr. and Mrs.

Coming out of the church.

Such a beautiful ceremony joining two beautiful people. See the next blog for the reception!

Nine.Ten.Eleven (Reception)

After such a beautiful ceremony, we headed to Jamie's Mom and Step-Dad's home for a reception in their gorgeous backyard.

The cake/cupcakes!

Bride looking at the yumminess~

Such a pretty Bride!

The set-up in the yard (part of it, anyway)!

The adorable table favors~~

Rachel and Jo~ Wedding Coordinators extra-ordinaire~

Me and Rachel~~

The food. There was lots of yummy food.

Centerpieces in black and white~

Bride checking in with the kids.

The girls (the Concordia 4 minus Rose who is in Alaska, but was there in spirit)!

I {love} this picture! (And, because of camera difficulties, I can't even tell you how long Jamie's lips were making contact with my cheek, HA! I love these girls)

The cake/cupcakes (from the air conditioned house) with the guests in the background. Outside. In the heat.

The cutting of the cake.

The feeding of the cake. Alex was so gentle--no cake smashing!

I thought Jamie would be the one to worry about, but she was perfectly lady-like.

I love her face in this one...she is saying that the cake is really good!

Champagne toast from the Bride~

Bouquet toss.It caught some air!

And, big sister, Alicia caught some flowers~

Garter time...

Sling shot version.

Time to dance~

Sisters Anna, Alicia and Jamie getting down.

First dance and little ones looking on.

Father/Daughter and Mother/Son Dance

Alicia, Keri, Mishka

Rachel and Zach snuck away and found comfortable chairs!

Pictures of the dress.

Dance Party time.

She shed these shoes early on. Cute pink, flats.

After a bit of a wardrobe change.

Sisters singing horribly off key to Jamie and Alex.

Time for flip cup. What a fascinating game and highly entertaining to watch.

Keri rocking Zach's hat.

More flip cup. It's all in the defense, ya know?!

Rachel flip cupping.

Embraces. Jamie's always been a good hugger.

Groom, Me, Bride.

Alicia, bridesmaid and Alex.

What a fabulous party celebrating a fun couple! To many, many happy years Jamie and Alex!