The BEST Medicine

I watched this video on a friend's blog and thought it was worth sharing. I have to admit that ever since Pepper came along it has been extremely difficult to get out and exercise regularly. I love to exercise and feel SO much better mentally and physically when I do it regularly. Now I am inspired to figure out again how to fit it into my life!

Sky Tram

The day after the wedding, our flight did not leave until 5 pm. That gave us time to check out the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. It was pretty neat! The weather at the top was cool and there was a little bit of snow. The landscape reminded me so much of Brewster. We walked around a bit and ate some amazingly yummy and high priced french fries with a view of the valley. If you should find yourself in Palm Springs, I would highly recommend this activity. We will definitely be back next time for a longer hike!

Wedding PARTY!

Carl gives the food a thumbs up!

Pepper would not leave Corky's necklace alone!

Corky and Pepper

Auntie Jamie and P

Just like old times. Brewster girls!

The cake. There were pies too!

Gumby looking pretty in pink.

The wedding reception was so much fun! First of all, the food was the best I have ever had at a wedding. Lasagna, ravioli with cream sauce and asparagus, salad, perfectly cooked green beans. I admit that I went back for seconds. The entertainment started right away. The way that tables were dismissed to get food was that they had to answer a question about Carl or Mindy correctly. They were really funny questions so it kept hungry people laughing. Next we watched an excellent video that Carl made. He and Mindy were interviewed about themselves and about their relationship. It helped everyone get to know them better. There was a funny "newlywed" game and a great slideshow also. All in all, it was a perfect night. Carl and Mindy made their getaway in his car, of course. I think he is going to cry when that car finally dies. They left amidst jingling bells and cheers, off to TWO weeks in the Virgin Islands. We are so happy for them and wish them the best on this awesome adventure called marriage!

Carl and Mindy Canwell-11/27/11-

Last minute bridesmaid prep

Coaching the flower girl

Staying focused before the show

Mindy was so beautiful!

The day of the wedding dawned sunny and warm. It was perfect! The wedding party gathered early to gaze at Mindy in her beautiful dress and to take pictures. The pictures are going to be awesome! Most were taken at a nearby park in an outdoor amphitheater. We took over the stage...and sometimes the seats. We did have to kick some loitering teenagers off the stage temporarily but all in all it went very smooth. Here is a random picture of the Redlands Bowl amphitheater that I found.

After pictures we had some time to chill before the wedding started. I had fun gazing at my cute little girl all dressed up. She had been given the red and black dress before she was born. It ended up matching their colors perfectly! She was great at the wedding. Happy before, sleeping during, happy after. The only time she was really grumpy was when we were posing for the professional pic of our family with Carl and Mindy. Sorry about the crying child in the middle of the picture... 

Jo and Pepper both needing some soothing before the ceremony.

Mindy's cousins who are also quadruplets. Very cool kids!

The family gathers

The other newlyweds

I was surprised at how much family we ended up having at this wedding. It was a mini reunion with some family we don't get to see very often. I feel bad that I did not get more pictures of everyone. It was busy!
The ceremony turned out perfect. It was not too long, which I appreciated since my feet were killing me! The highlights for me included Todd (Mindy's brother) taking over flower girl duties, tossing petals out of a cute little satin basket, when Felicity lost it just prior to walking down the aisle. Also when Mindy was being given away to Carl at the end of the aisle, they had both immediate families gather together, around the couple, for a family blessing. It was neat to have that representation of the importance of family support. None of us could make it without the support, love, encouragement, etc. of our families. Carl and Mindy are starting off their marriage celebrating this relationship. Very cool!

Team Decorating

Working hard...

The boys planning the reception program.

Almost done. Still needing the red flowers on tables.

Todd and Alyssa worked hard on the trees.

Jo and Greg put up a lot of these.

They are not going to get away without a commotion!

We all gathered together at the reception hall for a Saturday night decorating party. It was a winter theme with lots of black, red, and silver to sparkle in the tree lights. Everyone worked hard and had it completed in a few hours. Pepper was a bit overwhelmed but she did love the lights on the trees. As long as she was near the trees, she was content.

Time to Chill

After all the excitement with Thanksgiving and wedding prep, we were in need of a day to relax. We were excited to have Erin drive down from 29 Palms so that we could spend a little more time with her. She is without Ben for a number of months while he is in Afghanistan. I really don't know how she does it, but she says she stays VERY busy. We met for breakfast and spent a lot of time visiting. It was so nice!

Next we convinced Nikki to walk downtown with us. We perused all the cool little vintage shops and Pepper took a long nap.

We stopped to rest at my favorite frozen yogurt shop. I had raspberry, tart, and pink lemonade with fruit on top. Pepper looked and jumped, and got to wear a bougainvillea blossom. They were blooming all over and were so pretty! I wish that I could grow them here.

Much to her delight, on the way back we let Pepper kick her feet in a fountain for a little while. She would have gone in up to her waist if we let her! We said good-bye to Erin and can't wait until next time we can get together, when Ben is home. We are so blessed to have such awesome friends!