David and Leah's Wedding

Erik's sister, Leah got married on May 24.  She married David, who's parents actually just live a couple houses away from us.  I (Ashley) have actually known David since before they started dating, as we went to the same school.  Kyler and Norah were the ring bearer and flower girl, and Erik was an usher. Grace was an "honorary" flower girl, so she just got to look cute in her dress! :)  It was such a fun weekend celebrating their marriage.  The weekend started off with rehearsal on Friday night at Orchard Hill church.  Kyler and Norah practiced walking down the isle, and we talked about what they were going to do.  We'd actually been talking A LOT about what they were going to be doing long before this day, but it was good for them to see and be there with all the other people. :)  After rehearsal, we enjoyed a yummy dinner in the commons at Orchard Hill.  It was fun to hang out and talk to people at the rehearsal dinner.  Then we headed home to get rested up for the big day!

On Saturday the kids got up and went to breakfast with my parents.  Then they came home and had an early lunch, and laid down for an early nap.  I woke them up about 3:00 to get them dressed and ready for pictures.  My mom came over to help get them ready, and then took them up to UNI to meet the rest of the wedding party for pictures so I could stay home and let Grace sleep a bit longer-such an awesome thing!  The kids went up and took pictures, then rode with Erik back to the church.  I got myself ready, and then headed to the church with Grace about 4:00.  We finished up family pictures at the church, had some snacks, and then got ready for the wedding.  Kyler was a big nervous to stand up front with the other guys; however, one of the ushers was JJ, who is in elementary school, and so he talked with and hung out with Kyler, which was a HUGE blessing!  So, Kyler decided he could stand up by JJ. :)  Norah had no problem deciding she was going to stand up by "the other ladies". :)  At 6:00 the wedding started, Kyler and Norah went down the isle, and stood up there the whole time.  They did such a great job with everything!  When the wedding was over, we headed up to the Commons Ballroom up at UNI for the reception.  We had a wonderful meal and great time hanging out with everyone.  Kyler and Norah were VERY excited for the dance, and could hardly wait for it to start.  When it did start, they were out on the dance floor dancing their little hearts out all night.  Finally, about 10:00, we decided we better head home.  On the way out, Kyler said to me, "I think I need to sit down…" :)  I'm sure you did buddy, you'd had a long day!!

On Sunday we got up and went to church, then headed over to Erik's parents house for lunch.  After lunch we headed home so the kids could nap instead of staying to watch Leah and David open presents.  The kids were tired, and needed a good nap in their own beds. :)

It was a fun weekend celebrating David and Leah!  We are so excited that they are now husband and wife!! :)

Here are some pictures from the weekend:

Rehearsal Friday evening

Getting ready for the big day!

Practicing walking down the isle

Pictures!

Showing their shoes :)

Grace and Erik

Walking down the isle

Still going… :)

Almost there….

The Mr. and Mrs.!

Erik dismissing people

All done!!

Lauren, Kimbo, and I

Kyler with Ben at the reception

Norah with Ben at the reception

Grace with Grandpa Gary

Erik and I

All the kiddos waiting patiently to dance!

Father-Daughter dance

Leah and Norah dancing

Wedding party guys

Wedding party ladies

Dollar dance :)