The day began with everyone heading to their rooms between one and two this morning! Dawn crept in on a chilly and rainy note, but spirits continued to be high and lists were long.
The kids have several things to accomplish from finishing decorating touches for the reception to setting up said decorations at the venue. Picking up a rental car, checking on rehersal arrangements (my one responsibility), more guests checking in, finding an easily accessible cafe for breakfast, finding and easy route to the church, then deciding that UBER was a better choice, and visiting and catching up with family and friends. A full day.
What I find heartwarming is everyone's willingness to pitch in, give rides, run errands, and trouble shoot when something isn't panning out as anticipated! We are all in this journey of life, and it so rewarding to travel that journey together.
Last evening the groom had his bachelor party and chose to return to hotel and continue celebrating with his siblings, uncle, and grandmother. The ladies had a bride's bash that resulted in creating signs from distressed wood. Everyone returned to hotel with smiles and excitement. Some were moving a little more slowly this morning, but everyone was smiling!
Friends and family are traveling from several states and farway locations to celebrate Allie's and Mark's big day tomorrow. The weather is not as lovely as we had hoped, but the Hilton Garden West is a great facility, and we feel very welcome taking advantage of their lobby sitting areas and the nice rooms. Hopefully we can enjoy the great patios later today or this evening. No one seems disappointed or concerned about the cool damp weather.
More family and Mark's godparents are due to arrive within a couple of hours. Our really close friends from Fulton will be here late this evening, and a neice arrives around midnight. A great many people have rearranged schedules, taken off work, spent money on hotel accomodations, offered to help, and have wished the kids many congratulations.
A wedding is an excellent reason for everyone to come together and celebrate. Too bad we don't just pick an ordinary day every few months and "celebrate". It seems we only make time to include other family and friends for a big blowout when it is a "big" event. This life we have been given is not something we should ever take for granted, and these type celebrations remind of us of those who have finished their life journeys and cannot physically join us today.
We should travel ordinary and exciting journeys with a spirit of rejoicing. We should travelthese journeys together.
