IT WAS PERFECT

Well we can all breathe now.  The wedding went off without a hitch.  Nobody died.  Nobody was in an accident.  Pretty much everyone made it.  The weather was incredible.  Nobody got embarrassingly drunk.  It was breathtakingly beautiful.  I think the only disaster that happened was upstairs where all the bridesmaids and bride spent the day with a make up artist and a magical hair dresser.  It all went smoothly and so much fun but later when Aryn went up to get something off the food and drink table, the legs were not attached for some reason.  The whole thing collapsed and covered poor Aryn's maid of honour dress with food and orange juice.

Some highlights:  Myles's family...I especially was so happy to have a short visit with them.  I don't get to see them very often.  They could only stay for the ceremony part but it gave me a chance to track them down for a few minutes while they were waiting for Gary to get their car.  Helen had on a beautiful outfit...I liked it to the point where I was downright jealous.  I was wearing a dress that made me look like a whale and if I had worn the same outfit Helen wore I would have not only looked a hundred per cent better but would have been way more comfortable, more me.  What's more I could have worn my black running shoes.  Instead I had to wear my combat boots to protect my neuropathic toes.  And Helen had done her hair in the cutest way.

  Baka, bless her, was her usual sweet awesome self.  At over ninety she is truly amazing.  And Gary..as good looking as his son and had by far the nicest male outfit there! is such a kind man and thoughtful person.  I see where Myles gets it from!

Another highlight:  The children....there weren't a zillion of them, just enough to really make the wedding feel like a family event.  The two flower children, Charlotte (almost 2) and Noah (2) were adorable.  All through the whole event they were so good and added to the ambiance for sure, all dressed up so cutely.  And another little one, Abigail from Keats, was the most amazing little dynamo dancer I have ever seen.  I am not sure how old she is, maybe four or five, cute as a button, and danced her little toes off for hours!!!!

Another:  All the family and friends I don't see often living over here on the island.  Some of them travelled a long way.  It was wonderful to spend some time catching up with everyone and as I said before several times...it was so awesome that this get together was a happy event, not a funeral.  And I got to sit with Aunty Joan, Cookie and Brian.  What more could one ask for!!!  Joan is the most easy person to be with and I just love visiting with her.  Now there is a lady that never ages!!!!  I met her almost forty years ago and she still looks exactly the same!  And Cookie!  My bestest friend...It would not have been the same without her there.  And Brian, bless his heart brought me a samosa!  He is such a hoot!  His dancing got us all going!!!

Another:  The venue...what a funky cool place.  There are over one hundred little tiny art studios in that building.  And there is a huge ballroomy type room where events happen.  Additionally there is a massive courtyard and there was a clear plastic canopy with lights over top.  It was perfect!  And thanks to the cousins and some other amazing souls, that ballroom sparkled with set tables and flowers etc.  I was blown away by how much they did.  What a true blessing that was.

And just one more:  Aryn and Bradley.  Aryn dressed April, fixed the dress where needed, kept her grounded, controlled the upstairs part with all the girls (who were equally amazing and helpful).  Bradley is just the most gentlemanly gentleman who somehow just knows where to be and to do what needs doing.  He looked after the groom, who was so emotional and a little overwhelmed by everything.  Bradley wheeled Baka into the ceremony seating.  He took rickety old ladies arms and helped them.  And the most amazing thing of all.  After everyone left, around 12:30 - one am ish, the whole place had to be cleaned.  Tables folded up and rolled into the back, chairs collapsed, tablecloths collected, bin after bin after rubbermaid bin filled with ALL the wedding paraphernalia.  The arch had to be dismantled etc...  at some point both April and Myles were beyond coping.  They still had to walk the few blocks to Aryn and Bradley's to get the truck they had parked there.

Then the most incredible gift.  Aryn and Bradley chased them out.  Forced them to leave.  Go to their place and climb up the loft stairs, climb into their bed!  When Bradley and Aryn finished all the clean up they came home and slept downstairs, Bradley on the couch and Aryn told me she curled up on their big ottoman!!!!!!!  Like who does that?????  Honestly April and Myles were overwhelmed by all the love and care those two gave them.  I am gobsmacked as the Brits say!!!!!    I am so proud of all my kids.  And they were all there.  And guess what?  We did not get a family picture!!!  (shovel list). Sigh.

There will be pictures to come.  Right now I am so tired I can't think straight.  Going to snooze with wee Leeloo in my arms.  Yes!  We get Leeloo until the kids get back.  It feels good to have a doggy back in the house.  All for now....TFL & TTYL

BRADLEY PUSHING BAKA....ISN'T THIS AN AMAZING AWESOME PICTURE!!!!!!!???????