Happy First Anniversary Alex and Marley!

Happy Anniversary Alex and Marley!!!*

I apologize for neglecting to post about your lovely and special day last year. However, it was so much fun to look through pictures of that day! 

Cousins bonding over Pokemon (I think) as we waited for pictures to begin. 

There was music so Jane twirled and danced.

After pictures, the ceremony began.

 

 I was doing fine until I saw Alex tearing up... so many happy tears!

 

It was an absolutely perfect day. The spirit was strong as our family grew and two lives united. My "little" brother Bug found a wonderful woman to share his eternity with and I couldn't be happier for them. Marley is a gem and she and Alex are a really special couple. I love them both so much!

I feel incredibly blessed for this family of mine! 

It just keeps getting bigger and I love it!

*Today isn't their actual one year anniversary. It is Monday, June 15th. However, I'm spending that day having a same-day surgery to replace my VNS battery, but I didn't want to miss celebrating them!

Mexico part 6: Domingo y Martes

Sunday morning we said farewell to the lovely hacienda and drove further into the mountains for a brunch at the home of Sandra's father.


His house is nestled on a hillside surrounded by beautiful scenery and terraced gardens.

White-eared Hummingbird. This and Blue-throated hummingbirds were all over the big purple flowers that covered most of the hillside.

Close friends and family came for the yummy brunch. It was neat to talk (or attempt to talk) with so many of Sandra's family. They are all very warm and welcoming.

It was all so enjoyable that I hated the thought of going back to the city. It was a gorgeous day in a gorgeous place with delicious food and wonderful people. 

Our flights back home were the next day and we had a 5 hour drive to get to the city, so unfortunately we had to go. Thanks Shawn and Sandra for such a wonderful trip. You guys make a great couple.

Mexico Part 5: La Fiesta

We woke up the next morning, stepped out of our room and were greeted by a gorgeous morning in the mountains. The hacienda where we stayed at for the reception, Hacienda Santa Maria Regla, is located in a small town but, due to the surrounding cliffs, it feels like it is completely isolated in a beautiful little world all it's own.

After breakfast we went exploring...

A hacienda could be compared to a large plantation of earlier times, complete with a church building. Think Zorro.

These catacomb like chambers were really fun to explore though I have no idea what their original purpose was.

Through the tunnels, on the back side, there is a trail that leads to the waterfall at the head of the small valley where the hacienda is located. It was so peaceful and lovely. I could have stayed for hours.


We had to head back though to get dressed up for the party! Once dressed we all were invited to hang out with Shawn, Sandra and her family as they got ready in Shawn and Sandra's extensive and beautiful suite.
This is how we hang:


Shawn and Bonnie practiced dancing to their song.

The photographer soon arrived to take the official pictures, but once Jenae, Paul, Keith and I were no longer needed we headed back to the catacombs to take pictures. 

  

Because...

...we don't always get dressed up in formal attire...

...but when we do...



...it must be documented. (Do you like my photographer pose? I look legit, right? Right. Good answer.)

After a short cocktail hour (which only served mock-tails) there was a formal dinner. After that the fun began! It the dancing began with the newly weds first dance which included fireworks surrounding the dance floor. Didn't get a picture but it was cool.

Next of course was the father/daughter, and mother/son dances.

After that the party began!

We danced for hours.

I never have described myself as much of a partier,

 but apparently...

 in the right company...

 without kids that I needed to worry about...

 I surprised even myself.

 Strobe-light selfies! Woohoo!

(Grandpa Joe will either laugh or hate that I put this picture on the blog...)

It was a fun, wonderful and memorable night that I hope I never forget.