Congratulations Chad and Jo!

Eric's cousin and childhood best-friend, Chad after 11 (yes, I said 11) years of dating, decided to make it "official." After a simple ceremony, the whole family gathered at Aunt Becky and Uncle Greg's for a huge wedding reception. I met so much family...I don't know if I will ever keep their names all straight! I know it was really nice for Eric to get to see family that he hasn't had the opportunity to see in years. This visit to South Bend was particularly special to us because it is the first time that it has worked out that I got to bring the kiddos along! Every other holiday or gathering has been a weekend when they are at their dad's. They had so much fun playing cornhole, meeting and immediately loving all the new kids around them. Carter thought it was a blast to "fake" mow the lawn, and Katie loved playing with the older cousins, and going exploring with them in the backyard. It's really neat to watch my kid's personalities come through as they grow older. I see very much that although Katie is so smart, she also very much a follower, and wants to be part of the crowd. Carter is still a little bit clingy to me...I think it's a lot the age, and his sister overwhelms him at times. Carter is very serious about things, and loves to take things apart and put them back together. He actually likes to go off by himself and play without Katie, usually in the basement with his tool-set. Poor guy....probably trying to escape all the craziness of the upstairs :)
It was a really fun night and I enjoyed being enveloped by a sense of committment and family.

I'm a pretty lucky girl.

Mama Deb and sweet (chubby!) baby Lucas

an ice cream truck coming through the neighborhood with this many kids!! oh no!! Eric couldn't say no...so he treated all of the young kids to their very own special ice cream treat

YUM!

Carter was clearly enjoying whatever that is he picked out. I think he just liked it because it was colorful (if you don't believe me, ask his khaki shorts from that night ;(

Eric hoping for a sweet kiss....but Carter was in a silly, silly mood

Carter and Papa Jay

Chad and Jo: Your love and committment to each other has grown to be such an example to me. Though I've seen you argue, I've never seen you snap at one another or say mean, manipulative things that you don't mean. I know that sounds silly...but you have defined love for me in many ways. We were pretty sure you would never tie the knot but you always surprise us :)

Congratulations on your committment to each other. May you always have just enough laughter to make it through the day. May you give grace when it is least due knowing that yours is in turn. May you love, as you do, wholeheartedly.

Eric and I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.