An Eastern Boy and a Western Girl

We were so fortunate to be at our sister Kari's wedding to our new brother-in-law, Chris Goellner, in Idaho earlier this month. What a blessing it is to have such a large and loving family (and surprisingly enough, an italian from New Jersey has always just fit right in). 

Alaina and Brinley were asked to be flower girls along with their other beautiful little female cousins. They all looked gorgeous, and you could tell they kinda knew it :)

Hunter was the ring bearer. What a grin! I thought these two made a pretty cute couple. All the nieces and nephew (Hunter) did such a great job in the procession. Alaina didn't quite know when to stop throwing flowers, though. She continued past the groom and judge, past the decorative arch, and almost to the boundary of the property before turning around and realizing that she was alone. She quickly came back the way she'd come and the show went on. Kari and Chris looked so happy as they said their vows, and then it was time to celebrate. 

Brinley lets loose after the ceremony. It's funny how they'll smile endlessly when they are doing what THEY want to do, but try to snap some formal pictures and it's like they can't even fake a happy appearance. 

Isaac finds something to pass the time while he waits for the pictures to stop. 

Watching Kari and Chris commit their lives to each other made me so grateful I'd found this girl to share our journey through life. She is the sweetest companion and mother! (even if she makes me do all the blogging in our house)

I don't think anyone logged as much time on the dance floor as our nephew, Ethan. He was posessed by his "happy feet." Here, Lainie was lucky enough partner with him on a two-step.  YeeHaw!

Mike and Jen practice for their coming addition. Only she'll likely be wearing pink, and may not appreciate her delicate, chubby belly being displayed to the world. Don't worry, though, Mike. I don't think Isaac really took issue to it. He's comfortable with his 95th percentile body.  

I had to include this picture of Carly Jean dreamily watching the bride and groom enjoying their first dance. 

We had such an enjoyable time with the Goellner family! They were a pleasure to share such an occasion with, and we are grateful to have another member of the family! Congrats Chris and Kari Goellner!