CHAPTER THREE: Whitney Goes to the Temple

It was such a special day when Whitney went through the temple for the first time. It was the Wednesday before the wedding and everyone in both immediate families were there except for Ryan's brother and sister-in-law who were in Atlanta. It was great being there with everyone (except Liz of course) and so nice to share it with the MacLaurin's. They are an awesome family and we're so happy to have them to share Whitney and Ryan with! It was so funny when we walked out after the session and I looked at Karen and we were wearing almost identical outfits: white linen skirts, white shirts, and orange vest or jacket! Afterwards we went to Tommy Bahama's for dinner and just enjoyed the calm before the storm!


























We're off to San Francisco tomorrow for the weekend with everyone- except Emma who'll be staying with Aunt Marcia- to fulfill a life long dream of Lynn's- visit Alcatraz!! So it will be a few days until CHAPTER FOUR: The Day Before!! Until then, love to all!

CHAPTER TWO: Parties, parties, parties!

The Bridal Shower: So what would an engagement be without some showers?? This is Whit and all the bridesmaids. Some sweet ladies in our ward gave Whit a bridal shower where she received lots of fun things. All the girls but Chels could be there and we missed her lots! This is the game where everytime she got an answer wrong that Ryan had said she had to put a piece of gum in her mouth- she didn't do very well!!

The Bachelorette Party: The week before the wedding Whitney's friends Sydney and Kat planned a last evening out. Her high school friends and her sisters had a limo pick them up and they went out for dinner and then to Dave and Busters. I think her sisters had the most fun just makeing fun of themselves- notice their name tags on the pic below!














So tomorrow...Chapter Three- Whit goes to the temple.

AT LAST!!!

So I have finally decided I cannot slack off any longer- it is time to start blogging again. Who knew a wedding could take so much time and emotional energy, you would think with this being the third one I've had to deal with I would have been prepared, but not me. I think I've really just wanted to enjoy remembering how special the time was without having to look at pictures and write about it all!! So, I'll start at the beginning.....

CHAPTER ONE: The Beach Bonfire for Whit's 20th Bday

I feel like the wedding parties started on May 19th when we had a bonfire at the beach for Whit's birthday. It was so cold, but the guys got a blazing inferno going which warmed us all quite well. Everyone was home and the Penney family joined in as well as Sydney. You just can't go wrong on a great California evening with a party at the beach!









The cute birthday girl and Ryan, all the cousins together

Aunt Marcia and Emma









Dan- the master marshmellow toaster, others trying to imitate him!
Miss Sophie at her first bonfire.

I had every intention to write a 10 great things list for Whit on her birthday, but time got away from me and now here it is a month later! So I'll end Chapter One of the Wedding Saga with

The Top Ten Reasons we Love our Twitter Bug:
10. She finished our family not with a whimper, but with a roar!
9. She can truly burp louder than anyone I've ever heard and still look cute!
8. She is stubborn and strong-willed which used to be tough when she was little, but is great now!
7. She is the absolute best auntie in the world and is always willing to play!
6. She married Ryan and made him a part of our family!
5. She loves her dad to pieces and is always willing to spend time with him!
4. She is a loyal and loving sister!
3. She has a great sense of humor and makes the best comments on life!
2. She still looks like our little 12 year old we thought would always stay our baby!
1. She makes life fun for us all!

So, stay tuned, Chapter Two next- The Shower, the Temple, and dinner!