Papa & Ethel 6/30/2012

As I mentioned a couple of times on this here blog, my Papa got married this past weekend in Indianapolis!

My mom has two sisters that also live in Indianapolis, so a trip there always means a lot of family,and a lot of fun.
We arrived to my Aunt Kathy's house Friday evening (Around 8 pm) after a 4.5 hour car ride. Bubba screamed the last 30 minutes so we were REALLY ready to be there.
There was lots of drinking, dancing, talking, and laughing.So much so that I didn't fall asleep until 4 am.NOTHING about that above sentence is okay. 
Saturday we were able to all hang out over coffee and enjoy the morning. 

In our family, we talk with our hands.
Bubba was passed from cousin to sibling, from aunt to uncle, and back again!He loved exploring my Aunt & Uncles house :)

The ceremony was great! My Great Uncle Johnny (my late Grandma's brother) is a priest. He married my Grandma & Papa.He married my parents & all of my aunt and uncles.He even married John & I.Well, he married my Papa to his new wife this past Saturday. It was really special!

Newlyweds.

All of Papa & Ethel's (present) grandchildren!

 

The O'Connor kids and their spouses

Can you spot the Tebow?

Cutest of all was the small reception held at a local reception hall.This little shindig was complete with cute old couples swing dancing.Yes, I'm serious.

First dance.

Toasts & Cake cutting.

Did I mention the open bar?

Aren't my cousins cute?!I cannot believe Miss Colleen (far right) is going to COLLEGE in the fall!

Those hip seniors, Papa & Ethel, hired a DJ.

And we dance.

Even Bubba.

All those classic wedding songs?

Cha Cha Slide, Shout, Cupid Shuffle?! Yeah, we requested them all!

I'm pretty sure it was the liveliest wedding reception any 78 year old has ever had. 

Afterwards (the reception was from 4-7...) 

We had pizza at my Aunt Reenee's.

I was so dead tired I thought I could cry. 

But just hanging out all together was wonderful.

Isn't that sign my cousins made my Aunt ADORABLE?!

On Sunday we had a brunch, complete with family mass said by Uncle Johnny. 

We all said our goodbyes and headed home.

It wasn't a sad goodbye - because we will all be together again soon...

SEPTEMBER to be exact. 

Man, oh man, do I LOVE weddings :)

Friday's Letters

Dear Readers, Remember when I asked you to help me choose an outfit for my Papa's wedding?! The majority voted for the green dress. Well, when I went to buy the shoes they were SOLD OUT. I felt like the shoes made the outfit. I started working with Sarah for alternative options, and, well... I went AGAINST the majority vote and chose the white/silver dress. I know I was scolded for considering wearing GASP white to a wedding. But the majority of the dress ISN'T white and since the bride is in her late 70's, I was giving the green light to wear the white. We styled it differently than the original idea and I am pretty excited about my coral pumps/mint accessories :)

Dear Papa, I can't believe you are getting married this weekend! It feels a little strange since I have never met your soon-to-be wife, but everyone tells me Ethel is really nice. I am excited to be able to celebrate with you!Dear O'Connor Cousiesss, Cannot wait to get our Irish on all weekend long. Seriously, our family has the BEST time when we all get together and I know that this weekend will NOT disappoint! Can't wait for some MAAAAAJOR cousin love!Dear Indianapolis, I do not appreciate your HOT hot forecast for this weekend. I love you and I love to visit you, but I do not love 100 degree temps. No bueno. Dear Bubba, I hope you have not grown out of your phenomenal car travelling skills. It's been a couple of months since our D.C. trip- but I am thinking if you can handle 10 hours in the car you can handle 5 hours... right?! 

O'Connor cousins at the last family wedding.. which was John & I's. Excited for this weekend?! Understatement of the century.
Happy Weekend!!

No Really, They Are Obsessed With You!

Dear Bubba, 


I want to tell you about how lucky you are. 
I mean, not only do you have your Dad and I for parents, 
but you have MY parents for a Grandma & Papa.

Seriously, kid, you are so blessed to have their unconditional love.
They spoil you rotten - and I fear it will only get worse! 

You are the apple of your grandparents eyes, and they cannot get enough of you!
Your mama feels so lucky to have all of their love and support for our little family..

They are always willing to offer a helping hand and are so hands on with you!
Your grandparents are so good at following the "what the mama says goes!" rule..I am grateful for this! But you should know that I call your grandma at least once a day for suggestions/advice.

Mostly, I just want you to know how happy it makes me to see you with your grandparents. 
I cannot wait to see a relationship between all of you grow as you get bigger and bigger. 

I am so blessed to be close with my parents and have them be able to be a big part of your life!

Like I said, little man, you are one lucky boy!
Because really, your Grandma and Papa are TOTALLY obsessed with you - and so am I!