Lights On at the Riverwoods & Grandma's Wedding

Last weekend we decided to go check out the "Lights On" festivities at the Riverwoods. We weren't really sure what to expect, but still had a good time. There were a lot of lights, live music (including the pianist John Schmidt), gingerbread houses, cookies, shopping, carriage rides, ice sculptures and even a early visitor in a red suit. We mostly just walked around to check things out. However, we did stop in one of the venues to warm up a bit and have some yummy ice cream...

You can't really tell from this picture, but it is decorated like a vintage 1950's ice cream shop. They even play oldies music. When we went back outside to venture around some more, the crowds had subsided a bit. The weather was actually not too bad. We listened to the end of John Schmidt's performance and then were ready to go. Just as we were leaving, it began to snow. It was really coming down by the time we got to the car and when we got home, there was already a layer on the ground at our house.

The next day, we drove to my parents house so we could be there for my Grandma Tucker's wedding. She has been a widow for 10 years and wasn't looking to get married again. But when this gentleman came along and swept her off her feet, she just couldn't resist. They were like young teenagers again! Although Walt will never replace my Grandpa Tucker (and frankly, doesn't want to) he's still a nice guy and I'm glad they have each found someone to enjoy companionship with again.

The wedding ceremony was at a local church house and we thought would just include family and some close friends. But as you might be able to tell from this picture, they had so many "close friends" that we had to stand at the back of the room with several other people. I don't think anyone had any idea that so many people would come. I guess it just shows how loved these two are!

We got a picture of the four granddaughters in my family while they were all dressed up. My aunt even made sure all the little girls had flowers to stick in their hair. All of my generation had silk corsages or boutonnieres and my parents' generation had them made with real flowers. It was fun to be part of such an unusual family event.

Leah with one of her very favorite persons. She is such a Grandpa's girl!

We took advantage of the great decorations to get a family picture.

The blushing bride dancing with one of her sons, my uncle Ben!

Leah thoroughly enjoyed a large chunk of the night watching Abby Cadabby and other Sesame Street videos on my sister's phone until the battery almost ran out and I told my sister to hide the phone so Leah wouldn't want it anymore. She is such a YouTube junkie already (sigh).

The bride and the groom cutting the cake.

Leah had a ball playing at the church especially while we were cleaning things up. I think I spent as much time cleaning up after Leah as I did cleaning up the decorations. They had used some sand to anchor down some the decor and she couldn't stand to let it just stay nicely in the bucket. When she wasn't exploring the decorations she was running all over the gym, out into the halls, and in and out of the rooms. I don't know where she gets all her energy from. In all of her running around, I did manage to get this picture of her in her cute dress.

Congratulations again to Grandma and Walt. We hope you enjoy many happy years together! We love you!