So join me on a quick wrap-up of the California trip:
Sean and I have been married now for over 2 months. We celebrated a second reception here in Illinois with local friends and family. We definitely missed all the friends and family from California. For those of you who were not able to join us in California or you were there and did not know the back story of the wedding day. It was a beautiful day. This was a true Family Affair. Sean's mom along with help from his sisters, brother-in-laws and even my mom and step-dad decorated the reception hall and the outdoor gazebo. The place looked amazing! Kira was the hairstylist for the day. She made this bride look gorgeous. Sean and I realized just hours before the ceremony we forgot to get plates, silverware and napkins. So I called my dad who ran and got some of the items, I believe Katie went out for some items, the best man Danny went and got stuff to put the food in and I think I remember hearing that Stew might have also ran for serving utensils also. A BIG BIG thank you to all our wonderful family and friends who ran around like crazy people to help us. My newly acquired sisters and brother-in-laws helped to get the food together and out for the guests to eat. I have to say I was quite amazed by my new family. There are not words to describe how awesome they are!
We were able to get lots of pictures taken before the ceremony. We are still going through the 800+ pictures we have to print out and send to family members. Everyone looked gorgeous. All the little nieces and nephews had matching outfits. It was so cute! Sean's mom was able to find brown shoes with pink polka-dots for Killian. The best part about the shoes was that they squeaked as she walked. She loves those shoes. It was a big help throughout the day in keeping track of where she was at. The only down side was she was watching her feet quite a bit and fell right before the ceremony. Me not thinking picked her up. Well she had a cut on her knee and got blood on the wedding dress. I was very fortunate that at that secong Sean's Grandma Joni was walking by where we were all standing and was able to get it all out. YEAH GRANDMA JONI!!!
We said the I do's, we ate and we danced! Killian stole the show during the first dance. She decided that she needed to be out spinning on the dance floor next to her mom and dad. She did not want to dance with us, or with her cousin Adam. She had to be by herself stealing the show. Which was quite alright with us! The final dance was to "We are Family" and we were all in a big circle dancing together.
Now I am new to the balloon world and wondered what happens to all the balloons that we had??? I quickly found out. After the final song the balloon destruction began. Everyone left immediately began popping as many balloons as possible. It was quite fun. I did save balloon Sean and Paula, only to find out they did not fit in the van. Sean began to pop balloon Paula so I felt it necessary to quickly destroy balloon Sean.
After the reception, still fully decked out in our wedding attire we went to a local bar with some of Sean's friends. It was hilarious. Don't worry- Stew drove us (thanks again to Stew and Kira for making sure we were safe). There was a live band and Sean's friend Miguel got them to sing us a song so they cleared the dance floor and we danced for the second time. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day-with a couple hiccups thrown in there!
The next day we went to the beach finally! And it was cold and windy. The plan to surf quickly disappeared...for Sean and I. Stefanie and Sean got some wet suits and body boards and joined Miguel, Dan, Christa and her brother out surfing. My nephew was brave enough to swim in the ocean for the first time with NO wetsuit. Stefanie took him out and held him up while getting smacked with waves. He was so happy and loved every minute. Stefanie said she could feel his goosebumps through her wetsuit. After the beach we headed back to the house to change and head to a family diner. We were only able to stay for a little bit because Killian had yet to nap for the day.
Killian at the beach.
Sean and Stefanie out in the ocean.
The following day was Memorial Day, and boy was it memorable! We did a Graff family 5k! The running/walking part was okay but listening to Sean tell me all these stories about growing up on the ranch was more fun. After the half way part Sean ditched me and I got to walk with his cousin Tina and Aunt Becky. After the race we got prizes and food. Our plan was to go see the sea lions, which was one of the things I really wanted to do in California. Our daughter however, had another idea. We laid her down for a nap and thought her normal hour to two hour nap would take place. Nope, incorrect the girl slept for almost 5 hours. We for once hung out at the house and just relaxed. In the evening we invited all family members who were still in town over to the house. We ate as much of the remaining food as possible and just hung out talking and laughing.
Tuesday we had to leave for LA (boooooo we don't want to leave). Sean and I had boxes of presents to send back so we left after the rest of my family. We stopped by the ranch one last time, said our goodbyes and hit the road. We decided to take our time and stop to enjoy some California scenery. The rest of the trip was typical traveling enjoyment. Get up early, race to airport and wait. Get on plane, get off plane, get on new plane, get off plane and then drive 3 more hours home. Killian was once again fantastic through out the long day.
Killian walking around at a stop on the way to LA.
Our view from the hotel in LA.
PS-you can find California wedding pictures and pictures from the reception here at http://seanandpaula09.shutterfly.com/ the password is hitched052309
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