Whirlwind

It’s been twelve days since I’ve had time to write a blog post, but I think you’ll understand why when you see what’s been going on around here. I flew off to Chicago on December 5th to spend a weekend with Sarah, Adam, and Caleb. 

While I was there Tracy sent a Polar Express G-gauge model railroad train to Caleb to go around his Christmas tree. Matt was never much interested in trains, but Caleb loves them. Here’s a photo of Caleb “talking” to Grandpa on Face Time after he’s seen the train first thing in the morning.

He was smitten from the first go-around.

Caleb got a new haircut, we made cookies, read books, went to church and an Advent luncheon, and most important, went to visit Santa Claus.

My flight on Monday was cancelled, so I won an extra day in Chicago, but had to fly into Buffalo on Tuesday. Tracy didn’t mind driving to pick me up, and we got home just as another snow storm hit the area. I had just two days to get ready for the next big event:  Matt and Betsy’s wedding! 

Friday afternoon, Sarah, Adam, and Caleb arrived here so Adam could officiate at the wedding. I hosted the non-rehearsal dinner for both families on Friday night. I was too busy to take photos, but here’s a shot of the cheesecake on the table before I put it in the fridge. 

Matt and Betsy decided to get married about six weeks ago, and didn’t want to wait until after the holidays. They planned the perfect immediate family-only wedding at the lovely Strathallan Hotel. The wedding took place on the ninth floor overlooking the city of Rochester. I’m sure the photographer will have better photos, but I couldn’t resist taking my camera along.

It was Adam’s first wedding ceremony, and his words on love and marriage were thoughtful and so appropriate.

Because it was just family, Caleb and Skylar were able to sit quietly and color during the ceremony.

Here are some of my faves:

Matt with his grandmother

Sarah and Caleb

Matt and his dad

Following the ceremony, we all sat down to a lovely and delicious brunch. I don’t have any photos of the meal, but the centerpieces were beautiful.

Sarah, Adam, and Caleb’s flight home was cancelled, rescheduled, and cancelled again. Ah, the joys of winter travel. They finally got off around noon yesterday, but it gave us another morning together, and Caleb time to play with some new toys.

 

It’s just a little over a week until Christmas Day! Still on the list to do: wrap gifts, bake cookies, and get ready for the family dinner on Christmas Day. My calendar is filled with social events this week:  bridge, lunch and breakfast out with friends, a committee meeting followed by dinner, and dinner here with good friends on both Tuesday and Saturday nights. But that’s the stuff that’s most important—being with friends and family. The Christmas Journal (I’m keeping up with the journaling) and the blog can wait until there are a few free moments.