Oregon for a Wedding!

This past Thursday I picked up Kyle early from work and we headed to LAX so we could fly to Oregon for his sister Amber's wedding. The traffic was awful (obviously, it's LA) and it really put Kyle in a bad mood. We're talking really bad mood. By the time we got to the car park, I was ready to smack him. Then he went to the bathroom and was totally cheery, which made me want to smack him even more. I got over it quickly though and we didn't have any problems at the airport, so my anxiety lowered a lot. Before we could take off, they had to check something on the plane, so we didn't take off on time. Luckily they held our connecting flight for us and we made it to Oregon within a reasonable time for what time we were supposed to. 

Friday I went with Maria and 3 of Kyle's aunts (Tricia Gaye, Tami, and Gigi) to get pedicures and manicures and out to lunch. It was relaxing and fun to get to spend time with them. Once we got back to the house, Amber's roommate and I got to work on the cake. Maria had already put on the crumb layer, so it was up to us to decorate it. I have seen my mom do cakes many times, but it is different when you are in charge! 

Not up to my mom's standards, but not too shabby!

Amber's fiance (now husband), Nate and his family came over for dinner and Father's blessings later that night. I really like that tradition. It sets such a nice tone for everything. Nate is the second to youngest, so he has older siblings like me and they were fun to be around. We did some last minute things (like tying bows on chairs) and then went to bed.

The next morning we ate breakfast, made sure the kitchen was clean for the caterers, picked up flowers, and headed to the Temple. The sealing was really nice. Nate's grandpa got to do it and he was so cute and personable. When we got out, we grabbed the cookies and water Maria had sent with us (which was MUCH needed in the 100 degree weather) to give out before pictures. Pictures were kind of stressful because everyone was so hot, but we got them done. Kyle and I took the girls back to the house where everyone was gathering for the luncheon. The food was SO good and they had a nice program so we could get to know Nate and Amber a little better. Funny story: Jordan was Nate's mission companion, so he knows both of them very well. So obviously he was supposed to say something at the luncheon. Well, he forgot and somehow thought it was a good idea for him, Jensen, and Uncle Warren to go play tennis for a bit. That obviously did not go over well. Warren said he's never seen anyone run so fast as when Davis went up and reminded them/told them to come back immediately!

After that it was go time. Amber and Nate went and took a nap while we all set up for the reception. The reception was really beautiful. Maria really went above and beyond! There were so many great details, but Maria was the only one who really had a vision of what it was all supposed to be like, so it was very stressful for her. True to form, I just started doing things I could tell needed to be done and ordering people around. They definitely saw the bossy side of me. But things got done, so I'm okay with that. 

Homemade Maria Dowdle cakes

I talked to a few people at the reception, but mostly just relaxed for a little bit. After Amber and Nate left, we started cleaning things up. Adalyn was sitting at one of the tables so I went over to talk to her and she told me she was just sad Amber was gone, so we went and changed her into pajamas to cheer her up. When we got back, pretty much everything was taken down so we had a dance party to cheer the two girlies up. It was SO much fun! We got quite a few of the aunts, uncles, and cousins into it. I loved seeing everyone loosening up and having a good time. And man does that Adalyn have some moves!

By the end of the night I was completely exhausted! The next morning we packed up and headed home. It was too short and very tiring, but it was a great weekend!