Aaron's 44th Birthday & Breanna's Wedding

Friday, September 2 began with a little 30-mile bike ride. When Aaron returned, the kids and I sang "Happy Birthday" to him then he opened a few presents.  Amazingly, he received exactly what he wanted.  A new (working) bike pump, a garmin for his bike and a few bags of beef jerky.

Then everybody got dressed in their Sunday clothes and we drove south for three hours to attend the wedding of Breanna & Derek at the Ogden Temple.  It was a beautiful ceremony filled with a wonderful spirit.  Aaron and I were grateful to be part of Breanna's special day at the temple.

Bennett, Elsie, Greta, Jantzen, Lillian

 The younger kids hung out with cousins on the temple grounds while the adults were inside.  After a round of family pictures, we headed back to Bonnie & Bryant's house until the luncheon.

Lillian being silly with Anna

Breanna & Derek - a married couple!

Breanna & Bryant embrace

Jameson & Jantzen stand in front of Breanna & Derek's mission flags

Jameson, Jantzen, Aaron, Quinn

The luncheon was held at their stake center building and catered by Cafe Rio.  We enjoyed a brief program/game and watched a sweet video of them growing up.  I marveled at how the years have flown by and had a lump in my throat the entire time.  Even though it wasn't my own daughter getting married,  I couldn't help but consider that Aaron and I are only a few years from such a possibility ourselves.  Some days I just want to freeze time and stop my kids from growing up!

The reception was held in Bonnie & Bryant's backyard.  Quinn was less than thrilled to pose for yet another picture but I thought he and Elsie looked pretty cute.  They unintentionally matched Breanna's wedding colors.  The weather cooperated nicely and the evening event was well attended by family and friends.

Aaron sampled the popcorn while Janene filled containers.

Refreshments were flavored popcorns and a variety of Italian ice.  

 We joked that this was actually Aaron's birthday cake.

 Aaron was honored to share his special day (Happy 44th!) with Breanna & Derek.

Jameson, Garrett, Jameson 

Jagger & Quinn - played all evening

Bob, Aaron, Heather, Julia, Whitney, Cameron, Chris, Janene

Lillian managed to catch Breanna's bridal bouquet 

 A capstone to the evening reception was watching Breanna dance with her Dad to the song, "Cinderella".  This transition (being replaced as Breanna's #1 man) has been hard for Bryant and he's no stranger to tears.  He summed it up well in saying that some things can be very right but very hard at the same time.  I couldn't agree more.

Lillian, Anna, Jameson, Jantzen

 Then it was time to really dance...hence the pictures became blurry.

Elsie 

 We lit sparklers and made two lines for Breanna & Derek to walk through as they left for the evening.  It was a remarkably peaceful and happy day.

  With a busy schedule the next morning, we loaded up and headed for home where Brinley remained because she had school commitments.  Friday, September 2 was a fabulous day.  Happy Birthday Aaron and congratulations to Breanna & Derek!