the Graham Cracker House

What a privilege to enjoy yet another trip to Washington to witness the marriage of Molly and Quinn in the Seattle Temple.   Since I am a LIST person, I will attempt to describe our trip in a series of lists.

THINGS I MADE:  a wedding bouquet (this I was very proud of.... I've never "done" flowers before,  with Molly's help she and I  came up with a custom bouquet- very lovely), a "toss" bouquet (which- ironically, didn't get tosssed), two boutineirs, endless of amounts of white bean dip, spinach dip,  and creamy berry spread, and meatball glaze,  and I like to think I helped contribute to des-stressing my mother-in-law and creating a calm environment.

ADVICE WE GAVE:  conserve water, shower together!! (an all time favorite).  Actually, I was asked to e-mail some advice for Molly's bridal shower a month ago.  After long amounts of thought (I've only been married 18 months myself) I came up with what I believe to be an important groundwork for all married couples. Communication is cruicial, listening is lovely, bear in mind the basics (FHE, prayer, etc.), savor sticky notes, and goals are great!  Cheesy, perhaps, but a nice starting point for many conversations and explanations.

FOOD WE ATE: marshmellows, bananas, cookies, and rice crispy treats dipped in a chocolate fountain; crostini and breadsticks dipped in a variety of dippity dips for dipping, peach punch, quiche, sausage balls (my new fav.), meatballs, fast food only once, some great home cooked meals, a male-made breakfast, a wedding brunch, and most all of the orange and red m&m's

WASHINGTON TRADITIONS:  Bjorn and I managed time to get our favorite (non-caffinated) treats from crusin' coffee one evening.  Yummmm.  tastes like home.  And a tiny, windy, trip to tugboat park

FAMILY MEMBER WHO HAS GROWN THE MOST:  Brookelyn of course!  She is 9 months old and so big!  not chubby big, but just bigger than last time we saw her.  She is a very pleasant baby and full of smiles (though you do have to work for them) and loves to eat.  Bjorn helped her try the chocolate fountain, and then ice cream the next night! Should I be worried for our future children?

DECORATIVE ITEMS USED:  branches, beads, m&m's (only the ones in the color scheme of course), flowers (red carnations, white roses, and more), vases, water dyed blue, lights strung around the entire place, greenery, white fabric with subtle designs, and the mirror on the mantle wins the prize for best decorative decision.  

notice the wedding bouquet?

AMOUNT OF TIME I SPENT DRIVING:  too much!  We got a rental car this time, but  I was the only driver on it (chepaer that way).  Which meant I  got to drive everywhere.  This included a couple trips to and from Seattle, and more than a couple trips to and from Anacortes.  I'm thankful for the backseat drivers for making these trips adventerous! And I am truly grateful for the family for thinking of us, and helping make our trip more convenient.