It's All About Family...

I was just reminiscing some of my older posts all the way back to early 2005! I've had this blog for a loooong time! So many memories stored here! It was amazing to go back in time and see how rich my life has been! Soooo full of blessings! And all of them because of my FAMILY and Good Friends!  Pictures tell the story of the past 6 years of my life with Megan in college and Jamey beginning his successful business, My business at the mall, and lots of traveling and family events! It's amazing to see how far we've all come. I can't wait to see what the next 6 years have in store. A growing family (just wishing for a grandchild), more travel, maybe retirement? Maybe new business ventures? Whatever God has in store for us I pray we follow his guidance and continue to share his love so we can all be blessed in his grace! My hope and prayer is for the year 2012 to be full of family, friends, good health, blessings, & happiness. I hope that I will walk the journey of the next year of life with all of you in my heart and in my presence. God Bless My Family and Good Friends.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

AND HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Because they are MY Offspring...

I don't think I need to explain...they speak for themselves.

Yup...they're mine! :o)

Is it too early for Christmas?

 

Major Briggs would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas anyway! Merry Christmas Major!!

Having Fun With the Girls!

 

Love you gals!

It's Somebody's Birthday!

 Having her favorite soup at Baker's Square (Tomato Basil)!

 Then a little surprise at the nail salon! Popping the cork on the Champagne gave everyone a surprise! 

We ate Strawberries, & Chocolate, and sipped our Champagne during our pedicure!It was Paradise!

We added sliced strawberries to the champagne and couldn't wait to gobble them up when the glass was empty! Yum! It was sooo good!

Then it was on to the manicure! Look how pretty her nails are now! 

Having a manicure and pedicure in style is what you deserve Bev! And so much more!

Happy Birthday! 

WillPower & Grace

I'll be training for this on Sunday! Can't wait!!

A Beautiful Day!

Megan and Josh are preparing for their day. Rehearsal is under way...

Practice makes perfect at the rehearsal. Everything went smoothly.

Then it's on to the fun! Josh's parents planned a beautiful Groom's Dinner on a boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka! It was an amazing evening of beautiful sunset on the water, yummy food, drinks, & great conversation! It couldn't have been better!! Thanks Glen and Jan!

 Beautiful cousins on the dinner cruise!

Top deck was reserved for the view! We all took advantage of the open space to see the sights. Later on, the guys used it for their male bonding sharing scotch and cigars and smart (or so they say) conversation filled with loads of advice for the groom.

Then it's on to the big day and preparations have begun...

Kate and a co-stylist were busy getting everyone glammed up-including the lovely bride! They did an absolutely AMAZING job! Ok Megan...now bend over and let's comb it out!

And we'll get it just perfect! 

 I love it that they are looking at each other with the same expression! These 2 girls are soooo beautiful, inside and out! Love you!

Beautiful childhood friend and matron of honor, Diana  Moore, was patient and supportive. Even though she is due with her new baby in 2 weeks she managed to stay calm and offered her love and support in the most unselfish way! We love you Diana and can't wait to welcome your new addition to the family!

Longtime friend, Kinzie, helped get the bride dressed and ready. She was awesome in keeping Megan calm, cool, and collected! Thank you Kinzie from the bottom of our hearts!

 

Just one final addition of jewelry to finish the look. I could hardly breathe she was so beautiful! I love this picture!!

Pictures were taken of everyone before the ceremony!

 From the sassy Bride, Bridesmaids, & personal attendants, to 

the handsome husband to be...

The beautiful couple!

   

So let the ceremony begin with the mother's of the bridal couple lighting the tapers for the unity candle signifying the union of families. Nice touch!

And with the entry of the bride came the tears - of joy!

Proud Papa gives away his daughter!

   

Here you go Josh. Take good care of her!

 And the union of two hearts to One Soul!

White roses to represent those who have passed before but are here in spirit.

Given to the families to honor their loved ones spirit! 

Not a dry eye in the church! What a wonderful expression of love!

Megan's friend and Director of an acting school in Ireland was one of the readers...what a blessing and wonderful gift of time. He came all the way from Ireland!!

The reception after the ceremony! So many guests and family were there to share their love! Megan and Josh were overwhelmed with the love!

Leaving the church in style

Toasting the couple with champagne!

Back at the Bayview Event Center family is getting ready for a big party! Of course it must include a cotton candy maker for the signature drink - cotton candy martini 's! Thanks Brice and Jenni! You did awesome!!

And loads of  yummy cupcakes...looks like somebody forgot the fresh flowers on the cake top! Oops!

Guests brought lots of gifts and cards to share their love!

The reception hall was packed with over 200 guests! Thank you all for sharing the special day!

 

and the bridal party took their places...

 

The Happy Couple was ready for the party!

Family and friends waited anxiously while enjoying hors dearves, fun drinks, food, champagne and good conversation.

And let the kissing begin!

While friends and family cheer them on!

Cupcakes were a favorite for many...including Megan's cousin's daughter, Audrey!

 Sharing love and appreciation for many years of support! Thank you Grandma Erickson (Grandpa got one too)!

Ok...are we ready to dance now?

Nope...not yet...let the speeches begin. Proud Papa Rick gets his turn! Awesome speech Rick!

NOW YOU CAN DANCE! Josh and Megan's first dance. Can you feel the love?!

and one last hurrah with Papa too!

Megan's friends from college sang an acoustic and persoalized song for their first dance! It was awesome and of course made me cry one more time!

Let's throw that bouquet!  I didn't get a shot of the garter- did anyone else?

Proud Mum and Dade... it was all so perfect!

Rick and many others took to the dance floor. We danced all night long! Music was awesome! Great DJ and lots of special lighting to kick it up a notch!! Soooo much fun!

Next day was gift opening. A very tired but really happy couple were overwhelmed with all the generosity! Thank you all for getting them started in their journey together!

 

Their lives will be truly blessed by God and family! We can't thank you all  enough!