This past weekend we headed to the middle of Kansas to celebrate the wedding of some great friends of ours from Nebraska. One might wonder how we felt about going to the middle of Kansas during the middle of winter, and I can tell you we all felt GREAT about it for various reasons. Some of us were excited to be in a spot where things are calm, perhaps you could say slow, and cell signal might be sparse (yay!) Others of us were excited about the hotel including the beds, the pool, the infamous pancake maker (yes-it exists) and highly recommended cinnamon rolls. The rest of us were just excited to get out of the house, not cook, or clean, or do any sort of routine for the weekend!
The weekend didn't disappoint for any of us. It was a much needed break. Sleep went pretty darn well! We got the pool all to ourselves. We showed off our family to our friends who hadn't even met Dempsey. We teared up while we listened to the wedding ceremony, and reminisced about our wedding day. We enjoyed the cinnamon rolls, pancakes, wine, and yummy appetizers. We beamed at our friends who decided to "still do" together in the form of a legal ceremony....which did I mention was on a basketball court? WHY DID I NOT GET MARRIED ON A COURT? Such a great idea!
Listening to the wedding ceremony it made me really, really think about weddings. I remember our vows, and saying them, believing them, and thinking that I really knew what they meant. I look back (I know, I know it was only 10 years ago) but seriously---I don't really think I had the faintest idea what it would take to make a marriage work at that time. For better or worse....sickness and in health....when the baby pukes for the fifth time.....when the kid won't quit screaming....when all you want to do is leave the house because it's too much.....when you look at your partner and forget who they are (and question if you really like each other) because life has gotten in the way....when you put hours into therapy......when you go on vacations and remember......remember that first night that you met.....remember when you cuddled all those nights in college.......remember when you looked at your new baby......remember how you fought hard to get where you are now. I completely understand why people have those renewing vows ceremonies. Because whoah. Life is so darn different at different stages. I look back at baby Russell and baby Megan. Wow. We are so thin, and young, and good looking, and we seemed to have endless energy to handle all the fun times we had. The cool part about now is that I still feel that way when I look at Russell. It's different, but better. Aged. Crafted. Evolved. I suppose like a good wine....or chili leftovers. Still good, but almost better with time.
Anyways, it was a great trip. I couldn't quit taking pictures in this wedding venue because it was epic! An old school that was recreated into a restaurant, with pictures and a basketball court, and delicious food. Reconnecting with our great friends. Witnessing their love.
Love,
Momma
