Introducing Mr. and Mrs. Nathan McGinley

 On Saturday, June 27 at 4 o'clock in the afternoon at the Salem United Methodist Church in Wanatah, we celebrated the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Nathan and Jessica McGinley.  The day prior, it was cold and rainy, but that did not dampen our spirits as we began the two day celebration.  The rehearsal dinner was held at Tony's Place in Valparaiso and with about 40 people in attendance, we shared in their joy and excitement of the big day to follow.

The bride, the bridesmaids, and moms spent a low-key morning at Jess' house getting our hair and make-up done.  Everything went according to plan and by 2 pm, we were ready to take the party bus over to the church to finish getting ready.

Once we arrived to the church, it was time to get dressed. The flower girls were simply beautiful.

As Jess was getting in her gown, the men (and Zach) arrived on the party bus to the church.  Side note about the party bus...I have never seen Helaina and Zach so excited, not even at Disney World.  If you ask them their favorite part of the day, hands down, it was all the rides in that fancy bus.  Oh to be a kid again!

The two flower girls and the ring bearer did their jobs very well.  

Jessica's father struggled to keep it together...hard to find a dry eye in the church at that moment.

With bubbles and applause, we greet Mr. and Mrs. McGinley. 

Randy's parents and aunt and uncle traveled the distance to celebrate the joyous occasion. We were very thankful to have them with us for the weekend. 

Unfortunately, the only picture I have right now of the outside of the reception hall.  The decorations outside the hall were adorable, so I'm hoping the photographer or a family member snapped a few more shots.

The seating chart and arrangement.

Nate's big boot filled with flowers.  He was very concerned that it had an odor, but I didn't hear any complaints :). 

Our hearts are full and happy after welcoming such a beautiful girl into our family.  The process was joyful, and we enjoyed getting to know her family so well along the way.  Cheers to the next chapter of Nate & Jess and for all the love they were shown by family and friends on their special day!

Makin' Memories

It's officially the end of the school year. This Thursday is a half day and the last day of Helaina's Kindergarten year.  It's also Zach's last day of 3 year-old preschool.  This time of year has always been bittersweet for me.  It's hard to say goodbye to a routine that has worked so well for our family, but it's also exciting to look ahead and prepare for the next step and chapter. And, of course, who doesn't love summer break?!? 

This past weekend was a perfect family weekend.  Sunday we spent most of the day at the Detroit Zoo.  They have a dinosaur exhibit from May till September.  Helaina loved it.  Zach was being a bit wimpy and acting a little scared, but I think he enjoyed it as well. 

This morning was field day for Helaina and all three of the Kindergarten classes at her elementary school.  I was in charge of musical beach towels.  Fun was definitely had by everyone!

Helaina enjoying her morning party snack with her classmates.

Helaina and Mrs. Shuart, quite simply the BEST teacher!  We are so sad to say goodbye to her.  If only we can finagle a way for her to be Zach's Kindergarten teacher in 2 years :).  We're keeping our fingers crossed!

And just like that, another year has come and gone.  The amount of growth in both of our children has been tremendous.  But summer is here, and it's time to make some more memories!