Last night we returned from a weekend whirlwind in Wisconsin. We left Saturday morning and drove home Sunday afternoon, giving us less than 24 hours at
Lakelawn Resort--but the moments we had together were priceless.
We were privileged to attend the wedding of my collegiate best friend and her fiance. What a treat! Wade and I enjoyed spending time with the bride and groom while a babysitter sat in the room with our sleeping daughter. We also had the opportunity to catch up with old friends, slow dance and laugh, laugh, laugh! Now
that's what I call a great date!
Although the drive was long and the weather was freezing, we made the very best of the weekend. We even had a champagne brunch (my first ever) with the wedding party on Sunday morning. Fancy!
Before we left, Liliana and I took a swim together in the hotel pool. What a joy it was to hold my slippery little toddler in the water as she learned to kick and float. When we finished splashing around and got out of the pool, Liliana exclaimed, "Mom, am
pruny and
shibbering!" Sure enough, her little feet & hands were shriveled up and her whole body was quivering. Even her teeth were chattering. What an observant child. I always suspected she was a genius!
After that terrific experience, I've decided that I will take Liliana to an indoor pool once a week until summertime. I want her to be totally comfortable in the water when the swimming months arrive. If she's anything like my side of the family, she'll grow fins and a gill!
Here's to family memories. Ramona
Liliana is always beautiful to me, but she especially melted my heart Friday night. Here is my darling as we added the final touches for the wedding. We both agreed that she looked just like a princess.
The wedding ceremony and reception took place at the Butterfly House in Chesterfield. What a gorgeous setting for the event. We were so thankful for great (but humid) weather, instead of the thunderstorms that were predicted. Left: Liliana gazes at the lily pads on the pond.
This is one of my favorite photos of Liliana. Although she's probably thinking about creepy, crawly bugs or climbing on the playground, I prefer to think she's pondering how much she loves her mommy. Oh, she's gorgeous!
Liliana walks down the brick path, preparing for her big debut. She was so enamored with her surroundings that we didn't need toys to entertain her between photo sessions and the main event.
My little flower girl. Beneath this girly exterior is a well-rounded child who loves digging in the dirt as much as playing with dolls. Throughout the evening, she took a dozen adults by the hand and said "I have to show you something." At some point during each conversation she said, "Look! You cannot believe your eyes..."
When it was time to shine, Liliana knew exactly what to do...until the father of the bride handed her a crisp one dollar bill. Suddenly, the flower girl abandoned the plan and became the "dollar girl." She left the ring bearer and ran down the aisle (forgetting to sprinkle rose petals), saying, "Mommy, mommy! Look at my dollar!"
During the ceremony, Liliana was handsomely rewarded with Skittles (which were also a strategic move to keep her quiet for the nuptials). After the wedding, Liliana smiled through yet another photo session, and then she was free to eat, drink and be merry. Here we are with Cindy as we danced the night away.
