-Just Us Priors-: Seth and Jenn's Wedding May 14, 2011

Tyler’s older brother, Seth, was graduating from NC State and being commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps. We were planning on going down for that and Ty’s family from Texas (mom, sister, 2 brothers, nieces and nephew, and grandparents) were going to fly up for the occasion. Since we were all going to be there, Seth and Jenn decided to throw a wedding into the mix that weekend too J We decided to stay a little longer than just the weekend because there was just so much going on and not enough time to relax and spend time with everyone. We stayed from Thursday to Tuesday and still didn’t feel like that was enough time but hey, we were grateful for the time that we had. I’ll break everything down day by day because there was A LOT going on!

Thursday- We got there that afternoon and Tyler immediately had to go with Seth to the commissioning ceremony practice (Tyler was Seth’s first salute J ). Jenn and I went to the mall to get a few things and got our nails done while we were waiting for all of our Texas kin to arrive (they were all flying in at separate times that day). We all got everyone where they needed to go and everyone got checked in to the places they were staying. We all met back up and had dinner at a pizza place in Cary. We had a great time catching up with everyone, playing with our nieces and nephew, and meeting some of Jenn’s family.

Friday- Friday morning was the commissioning ceremony and that afternoon/evening was the wedding rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. Very busy day but it all went great!

Saturday- Saturday was a very busy day that started out early. We went to Seth’s graduation at NC State, and then we headed back to the hotel and got ready for the wedding. We met back at Seth’s house because Tyler was riding to the wedding with Seth and Seth’s brother in law, Will, and I was driving my mother in law and brother in law, Ethan, to the wedding. There were terrible storms throughout the day and the drive out there was horrible. We got where we needed to be and about 10 minutes before the ceremony (it was outside) the rain stopped and the sun started shining. It could not have turned out any better. Seth and Ty looked so handsome in their tuxes (Ty was Seth’s best man) and Jenn looked absolutely beautiful in her dress! Morgan and Ava did wonderfully as flower girls and minded me very well (I was in charge of keeping them still during the ceremony). The reception was held at the same place and was so much fun. Ty and I danced the night away with each other and our nieces and nephew. We had such a blast!

Sunday- Mom, Ethan, Morgan and Ava all flew back to Texas because the girls had to get back to school. We were bummed that we only got to spend a few days with them but had a great time with them when we were together. The rest of the bunch (Ty, Me, Jenn, Seth, Kirstie, Ryan, Ellie, and Tyler) met at the mall and walked around for a little while. Afterwards we all went out to dinner and that was that.

Monday- The same bunch met up for lunch at the Cheesecake Factory (it was a first for a few of them) and then Seth, Jenn, Ty and I double dated and saw Bridesmaids (freakin hilarious). My cousin Doug, his wife Lynette, and their two girls, Ada and Harper, live in the area too so Ty and I had dinner with them at their house that night. It was great seeing them and we enjoyed eating a delicious home cooked meal (since we were in a hotel and every meal was at a restaurant). Thanks guys for having us over!

Tuesday- We all got up and checked out of our hotel (Ryan and Kirstie were staying at the same place we were) and met up with Seth and Jenn at On the Border. We said our goodbyes and Tyler and I drove home while Kirstie and Ryan flew back to Texas that evening.

We are so thankful that we were all able to make that trip together. It was so much fun seeing everyone and just being able to relax. It is times like those that make us wish we lived closer to family because we always have such a great time together. Luckily we will be spending most of July back home in Texas with everyone before heading off to Japan. Can’t wait to see them again!