...have a few minutes to breathe after a crazygonuts weekend.
We went to a wedding on Saturday, and the groom (an old pal and co-worker of Pedro's) assured us that it was going to be very kid-friendly and he and the bride would love for us to bring Kitten and BooBear. We were hesitant, but in the end, we decided not to get a sitter and just be prepared not to linger at the reception. It turned out to be a blast for everyone. It was a second wedding for both of them, so this was a smallish affair held outdoors at a farm. It was cold -- about 50F -- but we were dressed warmly and the rain held off, at least. The ceremony was brief, and I kept the kids amused some distance away while Pedro sat and watched his friend get wed.
Then they party moved to a circle of picnic tables adorned with kraft paper tablecloths (someone brought crayons) and miniature gourds. At the head of the ring was a small outbuilding with a few microphones and speakers, and a four-piece bluegrass band played. In the center was a large stone ring, where a bonfire was lit. The meal was vegetarian, but not so you'd notice. They also had bean bag toss games set up to one side of the circle of tables, and all the people with kids sat on that side so that we could let our kids play while we sipped wine and finished eating. The cake was an arrangement of pumpkin-shaped spice cakes in four flavors, prepared by the groom's sister. After everyone had finished eating, they brought out huge baskets of (vegan) marshmallows, chocolate bars, and graham crackers, and the kids (and many adults) made s'more's by the campfire. All in all, it was the perfect wedding for an outdoorsy, environmentally conscious couple, and our kids -- who had never been to a wedding before -- had the most amazing time.
If any of you unmarried folks are thinking of planning a wedding ever, that's the way to do it. What fun.