While I was home - Derek's Wedding day

Derek and I started our drive to Oakland alone together, and i'm glad. it was like a final hoorah. we BLASTED Imagine Dragons, and i told him everything about Karl. He told me a lot about Raycelan. i finally felt caught up and whole with him. 

I couldn't help the bittersweet feelings, too. 

I was sad that this era was over. 

I am so grateful now to have had that last car ride with Derek. 

I love my brother. 

FINALLY, we got to the hotel, and Karl had already been there, meeting my entire family tree for 20 minutes or more. 

You can read more about our happy reunion on our blog HERE.

after which, we spent the entire night holding hands and staring at each other. i couldn't believe he was real. 

my 3 oldest neices and i had a mini party sleepover in my room. at one point we played "wedding". Natalie was the bride and Karl, being the only boy present, was the groom. (and so her adoration of Karl began, haha. )

Also, we did this thing with the hotel mirrors that i love. i think it's funny. 

i love these 3 chicas. 

then Karl and i went on a "date" aka kiss and snuggle until 11:00, then rush back to the hotel to read scriptures and get some sleep. 

I came back to this adorable scene:

and WEASEL!

THEN, THE BIG DAY WAS FINALLY HERE.

(in a different room, unbeknownst to me, the little girls had shown their families the mirror thing, and these hilarious scenes ensued)

We have a tradition of singing together as a family before weddings. We've succeeded with most of the weddings. This one was especially tender to me for some reason. It could have been that Justin, Derek's best friend was there, and that i felt Landon with us, too. 

It could have been that my dear Karl was sitting with my entire family, and i knew that he would be my husband someday. 

It could have been that it was Derek's wedding day, and that Derek and i have a sweet relationship. I'ts like silver, and i wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. 

Then was the mad dash to the temple, including Dylan, Derek's other best friend, getting there in the nick of time. 

Karl, Jenae, Justin, my Unce Rodney, and I, were in charge of the grandchildren during the temple ceremony. We successfully wrangled all eleven of them with raisins and coloring books and games. Ryder cried for a bit because he, "just wanted to give mommy a goodbye hug and kiss!"

precious. 

Seth looked a little worried the entire time, and Maris was definitely unsure for the first couple of minutes, but eventually all was well and although I think Justin and Jenae were scarred for life, we made it through with no injuries or major meltdowns!

I was actually really impressed with Rodney for keeping Hazel calmly sleeping the entire time. Also, watching Karl with my nieces and nephews was incredibly sweet. What a cutie. He's good (and adorable) with babies. which is great, because i've always wanted a whole bunch of 'em. 

i am having the hardest time motivating myself to finish this post. probably because it's 3 months late. enjoy these pictures with maybe some captions. 

I love these next two photos because 

I'm hugging the guts out of Raycelan and Derek, and their faces look so sincere and happy. 

this picture is great. 

A)Donny is a phenomenal dad

B) me laughing with Karl and da homie Dylan Shawan

C) Justin Potter, totally comfortable with all my siblings because he's practically family himself. 

The photographer asked us who was the funniest sibling. everyone turned to Derek. 

He shrugged, and told a joke that made us all laugh, and the pictures made me smile all over again. 

so so so so fun

after the very long picture taking was finished, we drove the 3 hours back to Madera as quick as possible to finish setting up for the reception. Several of the cars in our caravan got stuck in traffic. Including me and Karl. but i didn't mind :)

the reception was adorable. My mom and Christine did a lovely job!

and we danced the night away :)