Ben and Barbara's wedding, Part III

Two weekends ago we left all our kids home with a wonderful young couple from church and drove up to the Oakland temple for Ben and Barbara's sealing. From start to finish, it was an incredible weekend. I got my own endowments at the Oakland temple 13 years ago, and it was wonderful to be back. It rained both times. It's up on a big hill, and they tell my it has a beautiful view of San Francisco. There's nothing like being with my family in the sealing room. As always, the spirit was very strong, and I was just so happy for Ben and Barbara and the eternal family they are starting. Now all nine kids have been married to their sweethearts in the temple. What a blessing!

The rain did slow down long enough for pictures afterwards.

Then we went to Fenton's for lunch. Apparently it's where everyone there goes after temple trips. It's also the ice cream shop the old guy takes the little boy to at the end of the movie Up. The food was really good, and we especially loved this homemade caramel sauce and toffee almond crunch ice cream. Yum!

Josh came from Maryland. Megan stayed home with their kids. We missed you Megan!

Jen and Uche came from Oklahoma. Aaron and Marrisse came from Utah.

Ellen and Jason came from Hawaii. They've been able to stay here for 3 weeks, and we've loved hanging out with them.

Anna has grown up so much in the 10 months they've been in Hawaii. But she and Brennan are still best friends, and they've spent every possible minute playing together.

The two siblings missing were Maryruth (who just had a baby) and Emily (who went to help Maryruth after she had her baby). We missed you guys, but how wonderful for you. Welcome to the family, Makayla Grace!

Afterwards we went shopping and had all kinds of success. Kristen and I don't have many stores where we live, so we were in heaven at Ikea and Crate and Barrel outlet in Berkeley.

I'll end this post with some classic laughing pictures from the other end of the table. I don't know what Josh was saying, but he sure had them all cracking up down there.

I love my family!

♥ 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.