July 18, 2009 our family grew=)

It was a beautiful day! Everything went off without a hitch, and now my little brother is hitched! Can't believe it. Keri looked stunning that day, which we knew she would and my brother was a handsome groom as well =) Most of our family and close friends were in attendance which was wonderful to visit and come together for the celebration. Jeff and I were honored to stand as members of the wedding party. We also got to practice for the family band that may one day be formed by playing the unity candle music (Jeff-piano/sing, me-sing, Keri's brother, Jacob- guit). All of my immediate family cried as we witnessed Keri walking down the isle, nothing like it, is there? My dad got to read the scripture which was very special.

As my dad practiced his reading during the rehearsal and I listened to the sound of his voice, my memory took me back to a time when life was pretty magical, a dramatic little girl and a sweet little brother- listening to dad read us bedtime stories. I was reminded of how much I treasure the sound of my dad's voice, not always for WHAT he is reading but just the sound of his calm, sweet voice. What a gift.

Speaking of that sweet little brother, can I just brag on my brother for a bit? He has always been the sweetheart of the family- there is just no better adjective to describe him than "sweet". It was hard for me to understand how Luke could not be sinister like me sometimes, it just wasn't his first thought. His goal was not to end up on top, selfless little dude. He blows me away. He was just too content with life to manipulate others. And what a goof-ball!? Ha, he does not have to try that hard to make us laugh. Just thinking of the adolescent version of Luke makes me smile=) Knowing Luke through the stages of our lives so far, he has always been the best friend that I have not always chosen to appreciate. I appreciate him now, so much. He has taught me to try and be content with my life, love others before myself, how to share, how to be a best friend, how to make up after a fight. He has joined me in laughing so hard that no sound comes out, imagining silly things, dreaming big things, playing for hours, growing up, realizing things that make us wish we weren't, loving God for real. He is the best little brother ever.

Family is such a gift from God and we are blessed to have ours grow with the addition of Keri.

I just had to take a picture of this: Keri helping her mom, Bonnie get ready. Too cute!

Mom and Luke. Mom looked gorgeous on this day

Jeff was exhausted after the long and busy weekend! napping with Scarlett=)