And the Party Goes On...

This past weekend we hosted an open house for Matt & Whitney in "our neck of the woods".   

"Your presence in our greatest gift" - gift area

 A few months ago Janene asked if they could have the gathering at our place - and how could I say anything but yes to such a saintly woman?!?  And so, we turned our home into a reception center for a few hours on Saturday, January 11th.  

 We've had a windless winter thus far but last night was a blustery mess. The winter weather created a slight obstacle (but no snowstorm - thank goodness) so we changed the "flow" and ended up having people enter at the side door.  In the end, it worked out beautifully and there was enough room to accommodate all who came.

The guest book table fit perfectly in the niche near the laundry room.

And we placed the easel near the kid's computer area en route to the kitchen.

 Whitney's parents brought up picture frames and other decor from their reception in Salt Lake.  Everything looked so elegant and Whitney's classy color-scheme looked beautiful with our creamy cabinets.

 It's a bit non-traditional to have guests enter the 'back door' and greet the bride and groom in the kitchen area but that's exactly what happened when we ended up needing the entire family room for tables and chairs.

Refreshments were served in our dining nook area.  Janene ordered caramel pudding cake from the university catering services and we served a warm spiced cider drink and/or lemon water.  She arranged for a few ladies to help with kitchen duty which proved to be simple enough.

Whitney, Heather, Julia 

Several years ago, Julia and Whitney were missionary companions.

That's how it all got started - and now they are married to brothers (Chris & Matt).

Breanna, Brinley and Tanner

These three were excellent helpers (along with the other kids) throughout the day. 

 We sure appreciated their willingness to iron table cloths, hang snowflakes, move furniture, take out the garbage, help in the kitchen and such!

The "greeting line."

 I absolutely adore Whitney's parents - Jeff & Dianne.   They are so kind and gracious and wonderful.  Matt has terrific in-laws which is a blessing I have enjoyed over the years with Bob & Janene.

Somehow Quinn forgot all about the quick "pizza party" (dinner) we had just before guests started arriving.  Seeing all the tables and chairs, he kept asking me when everybody was going to eat dinner.  He didn't like the idea that it was a dessert-only menu.  Funny boy.

 As the evening drew to a close, the family remaining jumped right in for a quick clean-up.  We returned the furniture to it's rightful places and sent all the glittery decor on it's way.  Lots and lots of glitter...my girls thought it was so fantastic!

Jantzen, Matt, Whitney

 After another long day, the newly weds were glad to be done with the formalities.

Now it's back to work for both of them.

 Cute Elsie.

Elsie and Anna - after the party was over.

By the end of the evening, Quinn was ready for bed.  

We all slept well.