Danny and Jessica's Wedding

Danny and Jess eloped in October and their wedding reception was the celebration we attended in Michigan. Her Mom, Karen put together a lovely evening.  So many details and nice touches.  She organized a block of hotel rooms and a shuttle to the venue.

Jess's parents, Gary and Karen with the bride and groom.  Thank you Gary and Karen for a fabulous celebration!

The reception was at the John Ball Zoo in the Bissell Tree House.  The venue was perfect for Danny and Jess and so fun for their guests.

We went early for family pictures and rode the funicular up to the tree house.

 The city view was so pretty and so we were snapping pics on the way up.

 The funicular has three cars.

The photographer was taking photos of the bride and groom when we arrived so I took a few of the guys and Kassie.

Then we saw the bride and groom and I cried.  I love them and it was so special to see them so happy.

 Their Dads had a chat.

 The photographer wanted more photos of Danny and Jess. Since Jess was getting pretty cold,

I loaned her my fur.

 Jaclyn is on the left, she is Jess's sister, and she is visiting with Norma, Jess's Grandma.

I had a wonderful visit with Grandma Norma. Love her.

 The tables were pretty and set with the salads and rolls for guests to start their dinner.

 My nephew, Levi went with us and it was so fun to have him along for the trip.

I texted this photo to his Mom, Jodi.

Kassie was a good sport with the guys. 

 Karen and I met Amy and she jumped right in with us.  Hubby and I were so grateful and happy that Mark and Karen came with us to MI.

 Once the sun set the city lights gave a really a beautiful view of Grand Rapids.

I had seen someone arrive with a fur cape and I was like, hhhmmm, she looks like a fun gal with style. It was Jess's BFF, Samantha.  Our dresses were similar in velvet, we wore vintage jewelry and our fur capes.  And we both love Jess.  Yes, we bonded!

Sam met Sam.

Danny with Sam and Tyler.

 The dinner was delish and Danny's assignment is to get the recipe for the potatoes. Gouda scalloped, yummy goodness with the prime rib, salmon and chicken.

And then we danced.  And danced.  Their friends love to dance and a good time was had by all.

 Max and Kassie are visiting with Connor, he is a good friend to Danny and was his witness at the wedding. I wish I'd gotten a photo of Connor and Danny. I also wish I had gotten a photo of Danny with Preston (Danny's business partner) and his wife. I had a delightful visit with them.

 I did get one of Connor with Danny's brothers though.

The evening ended at eleven and we rode the funicular down to our shuttle.  Our hotel shuttle then brought us down town to Z's for a little post party.

 I had a lot of fun with Aunt Nancy! Jess's family is fun.  It's been a long time since I stayed out until almost 2:00 a.m.

 On Sunday morning we checked out of our hotel and met Danny and Jess for breakfast at Wolfgang in Eastown. Then we had to say good bye.  Sam, and his friends and Levi gave Danny an X-Box for a wedding gift.  Sorry Jess. They want to talk to Danny more and that's where it all happens.

So, we said good bye but not for long because Danny and Jess will be here for Max and Kassie's wedding in December.

Danny and I talked on the phone yesterday and relived the weekend.  For me it was so nice to see Danny and Jess's home so I can picture them there.  And to meet their family and friends. They are surrounded by good people and that makes this mama happy.

Our Michigan Trip and Thanksgiving

 Hubby, Sam, Max and Kassie and I left early Thanksgiving morning for Grand Rapids, MI for Danny and Jessica's wedding reception. We flew from Vancouver, Canada to Chicago where we met up with my nephew, Levi.  We had a three hour layover so we went to the Goose Island Brew pub in O'Hare. Our flight to GR was on time and I was so happy at this point.  Relieved to be on time, no bad weather and everyone made it. Happy Mom!

We got to GR, I went to get the rental car and they went to get our luggage, which all arrived.  Again, I am happy!  We go out to our SUV, and it is not really an SUV, and it's small.  Small, like, hold some luggage, kind of small.  The guys are all telling me to forget it, just get in and we'll deal with it.  I am not so happy now.  Hubby hops in after cramming in the luggage and the kids.  The key doesn't work, now I am seriously, unhappy.  Uhhhmmm, wait, this isn't our car.  We unload, walk all over the garage and find our SUV.  It's bigger and better and I am happy.

On to Danny and Jess's house for Thanksgiving dinner. Danny really want to cook for us as he doesn't think we'll come to GR for Thanksgiving again. It is his opportunity.

 Danny wanted some advice on carving.  The table (Danny refinished it) was set with their new dishes, silverware and linens and was so pretty. I wish I had taken more pictures of them at their house. It is mid century modern.  Jess and Dan, both have a great style and it looks fantastic.

Dinner was delicious and we had a good visit with them.  We may be back for more Thanksgivings...

We went to our hotel and crashed.  Since we had been up at 2:30 in the morning and had eaten turkey we adjusted quickly to eastern time zone.

The next morning we met up with the Housemans at breakfast.  Our hotel had breakfast included and it was just like the good old days in Hawaii where everyone gradually shows up and then enjoys a long, leisurely breakfast and coffee time.

We met Danny, Jess had a bad cold and she needed to rest and recover for the wedding reception. We went to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. I love it there and was excited for their Christmas Around the World Exhibit.

Cheesy photo opp?  Yes, please.

The Christmas trees, nativity sets  and decorations from around the world were beautiful.

 I took a picture of Kassie by the tree from Mexico for her Grandma.

The Victorian tree was my favorite.  It was setting on a mirror.  Now I need a huge mirror for under my tree.

The conservatory had a Christmas village and train.  All of the building were made from plant materials such as seeds, bark and sticks.

The sun was out and we enjoyed the sculpture park.

 I think Danny looks like Sean Henry's Lying Man.

 I love the horse.

 Next, we went to Founder's Brewery in downtown.  It was time to start the brewery touring.

The weather was so mild that we sat outside.  Their beer cheese is crazy good and I need to try to recreate the recipe. Once we got a table for everyone, we stayed.

Next we went to New Holland Brewery at The Knickerbocker.

 Then we met at Braden's house and walked to Harmony Brewing Company in Eastown.

Hubby and I and Mark and Karen went back to the hotel after Harmony.  The kids went out to other Eastown spots. While it is fun to travel with our adult children, it is exhausting.  Mom, mom, MOM, MoM, mOm, MoooooM...you get the idea.

Back at the hotel we met other wedding guests, all of the aunts and uncles and cousins from Minnesota.  A fun group! 

Next post will be the wedding reception.

My Favorite Things and Gifts

Thanksgiving week is here!  I am super excited for Thanksgiving this year.  We will be in Michigan celebrating Danny and Jessica's wedding. It's going to a weekend packed with family fun.

We will get home and it will be time for Max and Kassie's wedding.

And then Christmas! Our family is having a huge month of celebrations.

Since Christmas is going to sneak up on me after the weddings I have done a bit of decorating and I have done some planning.  This will be the year that Hubby and I shop, wrap and finish in one day.  It's actually fun and it has happened before.  There is no dilly dallying.

It's time for my favorite things post today.  It's random this year but it includes some good ideas.

1. CALDREA dryer sheets

I love these dryer sheets.  Besides using them in the dryer, I put them in the trailer.  In between towels, sheets and blankets. I roll them up in sleeping bags.  I put them in our drawers for sachets. I put them in our empty luggage.

My family has a grab bag game at our Christmas party and they are the hot item.  Fights for dryer sheets?  Yes, ma'am!

2. Trader Joe's 

TJ's has so many good things for parties.  I always stock up in December with some appetizers from the freezer section and a lot of cheese and crackers.

 This turkey looks delicious and I plan to try it. TJ's has a lot of easy dinners and in December I am all about easy dinners.

For gift giving I love their lavender salt scrub.  It's like going to the spa but you're actually at home.  It's a good stocking stuffer.

3. Eddie Bauer men's lined work pants

Karen and I found these one Christmas and gave them to Braden and Sam.  We weren't sure if they would use them but they looked warm for working outdoors.  The guys loved them and we have bought them more since then.

4. Eddie Bauer blanket scarf

I just bought this for myself.  I like a blanket when flying.  Something small to roll up in my carry on and to cozy up with on a long flight.  I asked the clerk, "Is this a blanket or a scarf?" She told me it's a blanketscarf.  Well, okay then!

5. Leopard print anything

I love a bit of leopard print.  I do obey the fashion rule of one leopard print per outfit rule religiously.

And you should too.

I bought these leopard print jeans at the Gap for this holiday season.  

6. Spanx leggings

There are many styles and I have black plain jane Spanx leggings.  They are not Spanxgirdletight, just cozy, thick enough, and stay up.  Everything I want in leggings and super comfy.  They are part of my flight uniform for winter. I found mine at nordstrom rack.

7. Cribbage

Hubby and I enjoy playing cribbage.  There are so many choices for cribbage boards.  Etsy has some gorgeous boards.  I recently played with four players.  It's a fun game that packs up easy on vacation.

8. Carmex

I cannot sleep without Carmex on my lips.  Stocking stuffer!   Sometimes people don't even realize how much they need it in their life.

9. Old Navy pajamas

So many choices, so inexpensive! They have flannel, fleece, and thermal for babies, children, and adults.  Get matching pj's for the whole family for Christmas Eve and everyone with be cozy and comfy.  They have plus sizes, maternity and tall for men. That should cover just about everyone.

10. Drizzle 

Drizzle is located in Bellingham and Lynden.  Their oils and vinegars make great gifts.

They are set up for shipping and have the packaging to get your gift via mail safely.

Our favorite combination is the Wild Mushroom and Sage Oil with the Cranberry Pear Vinegar. 

This makes a nice gift as it keeps for a bit and everyone gets a lot of food gifts over the holidays.  Then in January when the diets start, they will have something delicious to use on salads.

Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving! Mine will be happy because I don't have to cook this year.  There is something wonderful about one of your kids making dinner for you!  I thought I'd really miss the prep, turns out, I don't!

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