Surprise Wedding on the Island ~

 Damian and Jen invited a few friends and family members to an engagement party in the Poudre Canyon.  The plan was to have a champagne toast on the island today, but once down there, it was a wedding instead!  Of course, Justin was in on it from the beginning, as Damian had asked him to perform the ceremony.  A few of us guessed it might be a wedding, but no one really knew for certain until Jen told her folks the night before.  Once she spilled the beans, it spread like wildfire, so come Saturday morning, everyone was excited for the "champagne toast" on the island!

 Fairy Jordyn was waiting down on the island to present this bouquet of wildflowers to Jen...and Justin was waiting down by the river ready for to kick off the ceremony.

 We had to kill some time, while Damian ran back up to the house, where he had forgotten the ring.  oops!  No worries Damian...we'll take some photos while you're gone!  Just look at this bunch of hams!

And now it was time to get down to business...

Justin kicked off the ceremony in true Princess Bride fashion...
"Mawwiage. Mawwiage is what bwings us togethew today."

After saying a few sweet words about the bride and groom, it was time for Jen and Damian to share their vows...

 I am so pleased that Jen wore my pearl ring for something "borrowed" during the ceremony.  Both my sisters and my best friend (Christy) wore this ring in their weddings, so I thought it only fitting that my new soon-to-be sister should also wear it.

 After exchanging their vows, they stole a kiss, while Justin laughed and reminded them, "I didn't say you could kiss the bride yet!"

He shared a few more sweet words, pronouncing them husband and wife..."and NOW you may kiss the bride!"

After a champagne toast and more photos, Justin guides the bride and groom over to this path. They are instructed to move these rocks, creating a new path which represents their new life together.

I'm sure Jen is happy to be doing this in a dress!  :)  

The new path is complete!

And now everyone takes the new path to head to the reception tent in the meadow for lunch!

What a magical day!  This is how every wedding should be...fun, exciting and full of surprises! Congratulations Damian and Jen!  May your life together be filled with sweet joy!

4th of July Celebration ~

 Now that I'm officially on vacation for the summer (I worked at Connies all last month), Jordyn and I slept in late.  However, first thing she decided to do once she was up and dressed was to go fishing.  She got a few bites, caught one, and sent him back on his merry way.  Then she had a little fishing line issue, so grandpa bear to the rescue!  Then it was time to head down to Denver.

 Aunt Gwen always has a big party for the 4th of July, but this year it was also a special memorial for Chad as well as a 4th of July celebration!

 The 4th of July was always Chads favorite holiday...he loved fireworks and blowing things up, so Greg had a nice speech prepared for Chad and then the family all did a toast of fireball in his honor!

 I love this photo of Chad posing with all of his firework loot...Gwen did a beautiful job on this memory board of him!

 The day was filled with laughter and a few tears, but it was great to be among family and friends!  Then it was time to get down to business...fireworks!  Jordyn and Aiden are patiently waiting for the big show!

 To appease the kids, we enjoyed some sparklers!

 Check out this stash of illegal fireworks David brought over...oh YEAH!!!

 Time to light some 4th of July fun!

The fireworks were amazing!  Two other neighbors had purchased boxes of spectacular (illegal) fireworks too, so the show went on for hours!  What a great day!  Happy 4th everyone!!!
We miss you Chad!