Uncle Andy's Wedding - part 1

Nearly a month after the wedding and I am still wishing I could go back and do the weekend all over again.  I had the most incredible time!

Truth be told the timing of the wedding stressed me out a bit.  We were coming off a very busy summer of travel, the kids had just started school the week prior, and I was in no way, shape or form prepared to go!  But, once the day arrived to leave I was giddy with excitement.  I was excited for so many different reasons:  the most obvious being the marriage of Andy and Nora, but also, time in DC with my family, my kids being in the wedding, seeing my family...and alot of my family!  I always have a good time out with my brothers, and to throw some crazy fun cousins into the mix is just icing on the cake.

Off to DC!


We decided to fly to DC.  The flights were inexpensive, direct, and at really convenient times.  We were also able to book our hotel on points and get an extra night for free.  An added bonus was that our hotel turned out to be right across the street from the Willard, where the wedding would be taking place.

The kids were ridiculously excited to fly.  Neither of them remembers flights prior.  As soon as we entered the airport terminal, Drew said, "Is this Washington DC?  This place is awesome!"

Drew continued to make us laugh as we boarded the plane.  As we were settling into our seats, Drew started with, "Wait, I don't have a window.  Where's my window.  Aren't I supposed to have a window in this place?"  The laughs didn't stop there...once the no smoking sign came on, Drew says, "Well of course there's no smoking.  It's not like we can open the windows in this place!"  And I don't think I have ever seen someone take the reading of the "do's and don'ts" brochure quite so seriously.  His eyes were pinned to the flight attendant as she went over the safety procedures.  Finally, once we cleared the clouds he asked, "Are we in heaven?  Are we going to be there soon?"  Pete said, "Hopefully not this trip."  And Drew said, "Oh, thank goodness!"

Once Drew got all his commentary out, and we were at cruising altitude, the kids quickly took to playing on electronics.  The pilot announced our flight would be 1 hour and 15 min. and Pete looked at me and said, "We are never driving again!"  We did have one rough spot with the descent and Drew's ears.

Once we landed, the kids checked out the cockpit.


But finally we made it to DC and the kids got to take their first taxi ride...which was almost as exciting at the plane!  We arrived the Thursday before Labor Day and a few hours after we arrived, so did Uncle Andy!



Friday morning we had a 7:15 White House tour.  I think we went through either 2 or 3 security checks before we even entered the white house.  We actually had to preregister for the tour 6 months ago.  Understandably it is quite a process.  Anyway, at one checkpoint the kids in the group in front of us were asked their names and birthdates.  I was SO paranoid Drew was going to give his "new" birthdate (you may recall he decided just prior to this trip to change his birthdate).  I didn't want to lean down and say, "make sure you tell them your real birthdate" for fear a security guy would hear me, and then tag me as a potential person needing a more in-depth security check.  It was a great tour, and by that I mean "self guided". The kids had plenty to look at and were given a neat book as a souvenir.  I find it amazing that when security men, as well as tour guides, are stationed around the white house, my children are able to keep their hands to themselves and listen better.

waiting for our tour


completion of the tour




After the White House tour, my mom, Izzy and I headed to the bridal shower.  I thought the other flower girls would be there, but it was just Izzy.  She did great having to sit around with us older gals!


That evening the girls and guys split up for separate events.  While I got to head out for the night, Pete stayed at the hotel with the kids.  I had the BEST time!  I went for drinks and dinner with the girls and then left with a few of the girls to meet up with the guys.








Saturday we got to spend the day touring DC.  We hit up the Smithsonian.  Highlights included the Hope Diamond


...and well it looks like that was the only picture I took!  The kids were equal parts excited and bored with the various exhibits we took them to see.  Their favorite museum was the Air and Space Museum. In fact while some kids were posing for pictures in a plane, I asked Drew if he wanted to and he said, "Uh, no.  I've already had my picture taken flying a plane.  And besides, it was uncle Andy's fighter plane which is way cooler!"

After some DC touring, it was time for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.  Rehearsal went just fine...both kids were eager to hear what they would be responsible for doing at the actual wedding.  They were told were to start, how to walk, where to stand at the end of the aisle...all good stuff and they did awesome with their listening ears!  I do recall myself saying quite a few times over the course of the 5 days, "This weekend is going to be lots of fun for all of us!  However, this weekend is not about you.  You are here to support Uncle Andy and soon to be Aunt Nora.  If any adult asks you a question it is to be answered with a "yes ma'am / no ma'am or yes sir / no sir".  If someone asks to stand, sit, stop talking, etc. you are expected to do it.  No questions about it.  Got it!"  ...thankfully when they needed to be good, they were golden!

The rehearsal dinner was at Old Ebbit's Grill and was a lot of fun.  Andy gave a really great speech and many toasts were made by best men.






Andy and Nora gave all the kids in the wedding monogrammed backpacks.  I helped to fill them with a few things to keep them entertained.










And just a nice picture with Grandpa Dave


As much as I wanted to stay and go out after the rehearsal with the gang, I thought it in my best interest to go get a good nights rest.  The big day was less than 24 hours away!

*going to bed that night, Drew asked, "Is Nora going to wear that white thing that looks like tissue on her head tomorrow?"  Why yes, Drew, she is going to wearing a veil :)