Matrimony

One of our exciting holiday celebrations this year was Don and Vicki's wedding. Larkin and Finn were thrilled to be involved, and for their benefit it was partly a costume wedding. Larkin wore her brand new princess dress and Finn dressed in his cowboy duds. Their mission was to follow Don and Vicki down the aisle (with Emile, as it turned out) and deliver the rings to the officiants. They performed their duties with great aplomb and made their way to their seats for the remainder of the ceremony.

Finn lasted about thirty seconds. I whispered that we needed to sit quietly so everyone could hear the ceremony. He said he would just go hang out in back. I re-emphasized that quiet was paramount. He said, "That's okay-- I'll sneak." So he hopped down from his seat, assumed a half-crouched subtle, sneaking posture, and loudly stomped his big cowboy boots all the way back down the aisle to where Jim was DJ-ing in back. It's a good thing little kids are cute... and that the bride and groom in question were very tolerant grandparents.

At the reception dinner, Vicki produced an attention-getting silver whistle when the toasts started. Larkin *really* wanted to blow that whistle. I explained that it was only getting blown as people got up to say a few words about Don, Vicki and/or the wedding. Her response was immediate: "Well, then... *I'll* make a toast!" After the most ear-splitting whistle of the night, Larkin stood up on her chair, raised her glass, and announced "I'm glad Grandma and Grandpa got married!"

It was a lovely wedding, Don and Vicki made some very thoughtful allowances for the kids, and a splendid time was had by all.