♥ Ben & Barbara ♥

My youngest brother Ben got married this past Friday, and it was such an amazing weekend.

By Thursday night, 8 of the 9 siblings had arrived, so we all met at the park by my parents' house for dinner.

Except for the California contingency, no one had met Barbara yet; so this gave them a chance to get acquainted. Of course they all loved her, as Ben promised they would. Several couples traveled here without kids, so she didn't get to meet everyone. But at least all of my siblings and their spouses were able to come.

Afterwards we drove back up for more socializing (bachelor party at my house and bachelorette party at Kristen's house). And my mom wasn't around to tell us to go to bed, so we all stayed up way too late.

They had a very small wedding in Kristen's backyard - family only. But the "big show," as Ben called it, will be in August. As a costume designer, Barbara is designing her wedding dress, and her friend, who makes costumes for theater, is making it. I can't wait to see it.

They're such a perfect couple. Ben is 6'4", and Barbara is 6', so they're just right for kissing!

After the ceremony (which was nice and short), we moved over to the tables for a scrumptious catered meal. We were so busy getting everything else ready that it was sure nice not to have to worry about the food.

I love this picture!

I managed to get pictures of all my siblings. Here they are, from oldest to youngest: Uchenna and Jen, from Oklahoma. They were able to spend almost the whole week here, and we enjoyed having them over for dinner one night.

Nathan and Kristen - the hosts of the wedding

Aaron and Marrisse, from Utah - they were only there for a few hours because of work, but they were a huge help. Aaron did the sound system (of course), and Marrisse helped us decorate the arch.

Troy and Emily, from Utah. They came without kids - don't they look relaxed?

Me and Dave

Maryruth and Dominic - they drove here from Idaho and were all fighting colds. Poor Maryruth had no voice, so she just whispered loudly.

Megan and Josh, from Maryland - also came without kids, but they're coming back for a longer visit with their kids later this month.

Jason and Ellen - they live with Kristen and Nathan, so we get to see them lots. Their 2 year old daughter Anna is one of Brennan's favorite people in the world.

Ben (the last to get married) and Babs (an only child).

My 3 brothers.

Isn't Rachel the cutest?! I love her light wavy hair and big dark eyes. Adorable!!

While the newlyweds were in the house getting ready to go, we quickly decorated their car. They said they got a lot of honks and waves after they left.

It was a group effort - we had to work quickly.

Of course we had to attach cans to the back. We told them to put them on tight because there's a $1000 fine for littering in California.

We handed out cups of birdseed, which Brennan is still talking about: "Mom, remember when Ben and Barbara got married and we threw birdseed at them?!"

Making their mad dash through the birdseed.

And off they go!

After their big send-off, we continued the party late into the night - dancing under the pergola lights and taking "prom" pictures under the twinkle-lit arch. It was so hard to leave, not knowing when we'd see everyone again.

Half the family left the next day, but those of us still around went to dinner together Saturday night. My parents go to the same restaurant overlooking the ocean every year for their anniversary. It happened to be their anniversary last week, and they kindly let us join them. They reminded us that their 50th is in 7 years, and they "expect a party." I suggested we all go on a cruise to celebrate, and they agreed that sounded like a good idea.

It was such a great weekend. We're thrilled Barbara joined our family, and we're so happy Ben is married. Now Dallin keeps asking when they're going to have babies.