Nine Years Ago Today

I married this cute guy for the second time. I've always said that I am a lucky girl because I got to have not one but two dream weddings. The first was a dream come true for my heart and soul. The second was simply a fairy tale celebration. I still love every single thing about that day.

I spent two years in Kansas mourning the loss of our "extra" wedding photos album. By some miracle, this album surfaced here in Georgia.  I scanned in a few of my faves, so now I can show you a little bit of what made me SO HAPPY nine years ago today.

 I carry you with me. I carry you in my heart.

Lighting the candle in memory of the Gutsy Dad's parents. There is not a day that goes by that I don't wish I could have known them.

I knew what was coming at the end of that saber arch! (But I had NO IDEA what I was getting myself into, marrying into my husband's career.)

What's better than a man in uniform? Ten of them!

Yes, our photographer literally had me twirl across a field. I was so happy that doing so, it did not feel weird at all. But looking at these photos this evening with my girls, Jillson asks, "Mom, what were you DOING?!" (In the extra photos album, there is a series of about 50 twirling shots.) I answer: "twirling around like a princess!" She looks at me like I am nuts and explains: "But, Moooom, Papa is not with you!"  What, a girl can't twirl like a princess on her own?

Oh! I love this photo. The happy family of three. On this wedding day, we had actually been married for almost 11 months, and during that time we adopted Zephie and became a family. I was so happy that she came to our reception (for a spell). I even forgave her for running up to my bouquet and taking a giant chomp out of one of the hydrangeas. She sure looks proud of herself for that move, though, huh?

Most. Delicious. Wedding cake. Ever. It almost slid off its base, but it was tasty. Not a morsel remained.

Proof of loyalties. Strapping on the spurs to hit the dance floor.  Somewhere under all that tulle is a yellow garter, too. If you know what I'm talking about, then say it with me: "If you ain't _____, you ain't ____ !"

And on her lover's arm she leant,

And round her waist she felt it fold.

And far across the hills they went

In that new world which is the old.

Across the hills, and far away

Beyond their utmost purple rim,

And deep into the dying day

The happy princess follow'd him.

from "The Daydream" 

Alfred, Lord Tennyson