Wild and Crazy Wedding Times!

 Eighteen years ago, I was fortunate enough to start a relationship with a nice guy named Rick who had two boys named Greg and Kevin.

Kevin was the youngest, about seven when we met.

 

From the time he was little, Kevin was tough and determined. He mowed the lawn with a grim determination -- partly because he wanted it done and right. And partly because he wanted the payment for services rendered! He tackled the exceedingly heavy metal rowboat at the lake (made heavier by three other bodies and hampered by oars about two feet too short) with a vengeance -- because that's just what he did. 

 

But he had a softer side, too. "Puppy" was the one present he wanted more than anything.

 

These will always be my favorite photos. Well, for at least a little while longer.

 

Like all kids, Kevin grew up. Became a teenager with a three-phrase vocabulary for adults.

 "Whatever." "Nothing." and my favorite, "I have a life, you know."

 Played football. Went to college. Worked in high school and through school.

 And one day at work, when he was taking out the trash, he met a tall, beautiful blonde who worked at the toy store next door -- and she, too, was taking out the trash.

Not everyone heads to the dumpster with garbage and comes back with the prettiest, shiniest treasure. But Kevin did. Molly became the biggest part of his life -- and she became a huge part of ours as well.

We figured we were the lucky ones. After all, that meant we could spend time with Molly, too! Christmas, especially. It was fun to have a girl to get presents for!

 

And she bought into our Christmas Eve cookie decorating tradition with great gusto and style!

 

So, after many moons together, they became engaged. And then Kevin got a job out of state and they were separated. Just a boy and his dog down in Mississippi. 

 

But they survived that in great form! Molly welcomed Charlie and Kevin welcomed her dog, Rogan. And the kids get along!

And after even many more moons of engagement, the wedding is approaching! Friday, June 13! And to sweeten the pot, in May, Kevin started a job in Detroit, Molly found one there, too and so they're back within striking distance! Sweet!

Of course, that brings with it all the wedding preparations! That means finding something to wear. I settled on this. (Imagine it with better hair, jewelry and shoes. But I still haven't found shoes!)

 

And the showers!

Molly has been dined, feted and opened dozens of gifts. (No ribbons were harmed.)

Lore would have it that because no ribbons were broken, no kids. I'm pretty sure that isn't their plan -- though it's nice to have a little breathing room first!

It's fun to see this young couple starting out -- and finally having everything go their way and actually be together -- and close enough to families, too. All of the families -- us, Kevin's mom's family and Molly's -- are close families who want their kids within a reasonable jaunt!

And for me, it's just wonderful to have a girl in the family! And a pretty darned sweet and amazing one at that.

So, stay tuned. The wedding will be here before we know it! And of course, I'll have to post!