Beautiful Day.

I told Mom I would get some new pictures up for her for Mother's Day and it is getting onto midnight here, so hopefully you can enjoy our little boy's face as you starting your day just about now. Actually, you have been probably been up for hours. I hope you have a wonderful day today Mom.

It has been a day full of yummy food and great company. Our boy is finding great ease in his toddlerhood and moving into his independence with great vigor which can be exhausting but I love everything about being his, especially when he says "hi" in his little sweet voice and leans his head in for a kiss and pats my back and grins with his little crooked front tooth.

It has been pretty overcast and rainy here but then on Thursday it was gorgeous, clear and sunny so we took a drive over the hills to Akaroa. We took turns driving with Mike in his dad's fast car along the windy roads to feel the wind rip through our air and feel the gravel jump into our seats. It was a blast. Being with Mike in that car reminds me of the first time I met Mike--literally-- so that's always exciting. We came over the summit roads as the sun was setting and drove above the cloud cover over Christchurch. It was beautiful.

Happy Mother's Day!

Wedding: party

Later in the afternoon, there was a big reception in a nearby Stake centre. Lucy and Carly were the masterminds behind the transformation of the ugly ole rec hall into a lovely banquet. The flowers on the tables were all hand dyed and made as well as those amazing chandeliers. Yep, a real labour of sisterly love right there. Well done Lucy! Ite's family came in and added all the Fijian flair to make it quite the cultural mix not just in decor but also in traditions. Mack dressed in a kilt and Ite in traditional Fijian costume for their ring ceremony performed by Tom. Ite's family put on a feast for everyone. There was no reason to leave hungry. There was some special bedding set up that of course our boy immediately jumped into first thing. Mike gave a really great best man's speech and there was lots of laughter, dancing and good times. Definitely one of the best decorated and fun weddings I've been to. Lots of memories that I am sure we will be talking about for a long time to come. This is a fun video from the festivities...

Wedding: temple

Finally, here are a few pictures from the wedding on the 23rd. Man, the kids looked so cute. Of course, our little boy was starving and we didn't have food for him so thank goodness for great grandma Vylma and her granola bar. The weather was beautiful and clear and Mack & Ite looked great. Stay tuned for a few more of the reception.