Troy and Jesslyn

Earlier this month, my cousin Troy married the lovely Miss Jesslyn, to whom he had proposed over Thanksgiving dinner. It was great to see family, meet the bride, and watch a video of them growing up through pictures.

Jake and Katie

 Zak and I were privileged to be invited to his cousin's wedding a couple days before Thanksgiving. We finagled our work schedules in order to be free and clear for the short visit with the Porters and wedding party. This was our first time meeting the bride, but I'd seen Zak's cousin a few times at the cabin, probably when I walloped everyone at Phase10. The stunning Katie smiled and shone. It was a joyous day at the Temple. 

Mount Timpanogos Temple

Waiting for the Bride and Groom

Zak and I

Jake and Katie

Jake and Katie have both done several theatrical 

productions, and you can tell by their party. The carnival reception included balloon animals, a strength-testing hammer (I'm a big boy!), sensationally sweet lemonade, and a photobooth complete with props. Jake and Katie have both done several theatrical productions, and you can tell by their party. The carnival reception included balloon animals, a strength-testing hammer (I'm a big boy!), sensationally sweet lemonade, and a photobooth complete with props. 

Dad the Wrestler

Cassie and Nathan

 After a year of dating and getting to know each other, lots of time spent working and planning, my sister married her sweetheart. Zak and I drove down to be with family to see the marriage and sealing performed in the LDS Temple. I love going to weddings, especially with my sweetheart. My sister, Cassie, has done a great job taking care of herself, and has lost quite a bit of weight over the last few years. She looked gorgeous in the dress she picked and customized. Nate looked pretty dapper himself. I'm grateful his family has welcomed her into their lot with open arms. These two have similar personalities and tastes regarding many things, and now they're stuck together for the glorious centuries to come.

Nathan's parents put on a luncheon after the sealing, and then we prepared for the reception. These two are all about Disney, and Tangled holds a special place in their hearts. Cassie chose some Chinese lanterns to hang with fishline above the tables and around the room. They turned out beautifully, but as suspected, they soon became the entertainment. If ever you want to keep a table full of people occupied, get a good tetherball match going with a floating lantern.

Over the weekend, we also watched several Olympic events, which reminded me of the Vancouver Olympics Zak and I watched on t.v. before he asked me on our first date.

Tia, Mom, Me, Grandma

Lots of friends and family came to support Cass and Nathan

Zak and I had fun at the wedding!

The Wood Smith Forever Family

 

A few months ago, my cousin and her husband who had been married about seven years, went to the Temple to become a forever family with their children. Their "monkeys," as my cousin calls her kids, are a lot of fun. I was out of town for the sealing at the Logan Temple, but accompanied them to the Salt Lake Temple when the parents first went inside. I'm so proud of them for all of the steps they've taken to strengthen their family and testimonies of the Savior.