The weekend started off on Saturday, when most of the guests arrived in Bellingham to celebrate. That night, there was an informal gathering at a house that many of Anya's family members had rented for the week. There I was able to introduce Corey and my boys to many family friends that I hadn't seen in years! It was so fun catching up with them, and seeing family who traveled in for the big day. Both boys did really well even though we didn't leave until way past their bedtime and both had limited naps that day. They especially loved the video my mom and Anya's mom helped put together with pictures of Anya and Scott growing up, and the story of how they met, fell in love and got engaged.
That night, Jackson had asked that I sleep in his big queen bed with him. I happily accepted since it would be the first time ever that this had happened. It took him awhile to fall asleep being in a new place, sharing a bed, etc. but after 30 minutes of him asking questions, repeatedly sitting up to look around, etc. he finally fell asleep around 10:30. While I may have gotten punched in the nose before he even fell asleep, and I spent the night with him spooning me while I tried not to fall off the bed, it was great to have the opportunity for so many snuggles. Cole slept in his pack 'n play in the bathroom, which worked out perfectly (the sliding door kept the lights and Jackson's loud voice from waking him up). He only woke up once around 11:45 and quickly went back to sleep after we gave him his paci. Jackson woke up once in the middle of the night confused - I think - about where he was. Plus the pillow protecting him from rolling off the other side of the bed had fallen. Once we resolved that, he was back to sleep. They both woke up around 6:45.
On Sunday, we grabbed some breakfast downstairs with my family and some of our family friends, and then J and I took a swim and relaxed in the hot tub for a bit. Both boys played and entertained themselves while we packed up and got ready. After a quick lunch, we headed over to the "weddin' " (as J would say) venue to get J ready for his duties as ring bearer.
While the wedding party was lining up, Jackson was shaking the rings around and I think some of the party got a little worried the rings wouldn't make it down the aisle, but everything went off without a hitch. Both boys were quiet during the ceremony (Cole sat with Kels' mom, J sat on my lap), though to be fair, J was stuffing gummy bears in his face (we may have bribed him a bit to walk down the aisle and to stay quiet during the ceremony). The only time we had to quiet him down was during a few funny parts of the ceremony where the vows had guests laughing...J figured he should laugh as well even though he doesn't understand the humor, he does a super loud and embarrassing laugh when he's laughing along with others.
Once the ceremony was over, we mingled some more and enjoyed yummy appetizers and dinner. J was mostly looking forward to the desserts, which he made good work of --- strawberry shortcake, chocolate chip cookies AND a 'smore. (Love that the venue had a fire pit so you could make your own!) And then the dancing began. J was a little shy at first, but once he opened up (probably once the sugar set in), he was the talk of the wedding as he busted out his break dancing moves. It was adorable.
It was a beautiful setting, with delicious food and great company, and the weather couldn't have been any more perfect. We loved every minute of celebrating Scott and his wife, Anya!
Sunnies, a Frozen sing-along and holding Cole's hand was how he spent much of the drive up to Bellingham.
Pit stop at Bob's Burgers & Brew for lunch and a charge at the Tesla Supercharger station.
Loved seeing Gramma Linda & Great Gramma.
And, continues to LOVE his big brother.
Being back at work, I don't get many opportunities to cuddle with Cole during a nap, but I had the chance over the weekend, and loved every second of it.
J in his BIG big boy bed, enjoying his gadgets. He looks especially like his daddy here.
Mommy & J selfie before our sleepover.
Each boy enjoyed playing on their own bed.
I can't get enough of watching these two boys interact. Melts. My. Heart. Every time.
Who is this big boy?!
Taking his ring bearer duties VERY seriously (after I repeatedly told him he couldn't shake the can that contained the rings, or try to untie them, and bribed him with MANY gummy bears).
Success! Made it up the aisle by himself, with the rings.
Anya made a beautiful bride, and I still can't over my bro in his suit --- who is this grown man?!
They did it!
Big hugs from Gramma Linda
J and his second cousin Natalie
Both the boys loved these bubbles
Taking a selfie with Great Uncle Gene (who claims he invented the selfie - who knew?)
I just love these swing photos --- he looks so big and grown up, but then he's swinging and being a true kiddo. I think J gives this place two thumbs up for the swings alone.
Another "good smile" from J.
Cole's open mouth smile --- love it.
Taking 'smore making very seriously
Great Aunt Karen and Cole
Worn OUT! (Don't be fooled - this lasted 15 minutes on the way home. The rest of the 1+ hour drive was spent with Jackson asking us questions about anything and everything (and then telling us to be quiet/"shhh"'ing because Cole was sleeping when we tried to talk to each other). Note: He holds Cole's hand to help calm Cole and get him to sleep.
omg he is the cutest little dancer ever!!!
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