Baby Boy Gets Married: Pre-Wedding Activities

On Friday, Sarah hosted a luncheon at The London Tea Room. Loved it - can't wait to go back!

My mom and Emily, who just arrived in from NYC.

The Corse women - and I will probably always be the only one with a different last name!

On Friday night, my parents hosted a dinner at Rigazzi's. One of our family's favorite St. Louis restaurants. Me & my baby boy before dinner - realizing Nate will probably also be the baby boy who gets married one day!=

Mingling before dinner...Emily, mom, my aunt Kathy and cousins Evan, Olga, and David who came all the way from Austin to join us. So glad to have him with us!

My dad giving his toast - a lovely talk about giving his children "different" names so they would know they were special. I can appreciate this now, 20 years ago, not so much.

Hamil giving a tear jerker of a toast!

The new combined family!

The whole gang!

Now on to the Big Day!

Hamil & Sarah's Big Day

Hamil & Sarah's day was beautiful - everything was just absolutely perfect. Happy couple, happy family, happy day.

On the way to Windows on Washington...

Mom, Emily & Ben looking spiffy

The Boyle Family - including me, looking extra pregnant. Amazing how some pictures make me look 9 months pregnant and some don't - I prefer the ones that don't of course!

Sarah, getting a shoe adjustment before the ceremony. What can I say, I like action shots!

How can Hamil Snowcone be big enough to get married? I'm still thinking on that one.

So we tried to take a family picture, but it just didn't work out. I have lots of pictures of the 3 of us, but none that I like of all of us, so I chose this one. I think it pretty much sums us up. And yes, Nate is wearing crocs. I got the cutest khaki top siders, but when he put them on before the wedding, he said, "Mom, these hurt." That was all I needed to hear, crocs it was.

Emily & Ben - the fashionistas from Manhattan!

The sweet, sweet ceremony - truly, it was so simple and heartfelt.

It's done - Mr. & Mrs. Hamil Corse!

My longest and dearest friends, Robbie & Jane Ellis. Such a joy to spend this night with them. Emily & I were at Jane Ellis's house the day Hamil was born.

"Uncle" Randy and Grandma Arlene

Sarah getting initiated with Wayne's dancing skills - so much fun! Really, so much fun.

It was a magical evening for all! Congratulations to Hamil & Sarah -we love you so much!

Kansas City

Life has truly been crazy the past few weeks, some expected events, some unexpected. But nonetheless crazy. We met the Pooleys in Kansas City for a wonderful visit weeks ago and I'm just getting around to posting the pictures.

Nate & Quinn at Harpo's.

The kids loved the pool and Nate even talked Quinn into getting in the "hot pool."

The Kansas City Zoo was hot, but fun. I for one did not pass up a water mister!

We took a picture of the kids several years ago in this same spot. Nate didn't want to cooperate and sit by Quinn but at least he got in the picture...

Always a fabulous time with the Pooleys - and always too short!

A Mother's Intuition

or rather, my mother's intuiton was so WRONG! We found out on Thursday that we are having a baby GIRL! A mix of emotions, ranging from total elation to slightly overwhelmed at the fact we have no clothes for a little girl. But I'm sure we will manage somehow!

I can honestly say I was shocked. I really thought it was a boy even after seeing the baby on the screen. When she wrote these words, I cried. Scott screamed. I think our favorite ultrasound tech was a little taken a back at how shocked we were.

I think I am still in a little bit of shock. Just today, I was looking through the fall Kelly's Kids catalog and I kept skipping over the girl pages. And then I remembered, you can look at those now! Oh my, let the pink attack begin!

Sweet baby girl is doing great. Everything measured right on time and looked great. She had her hands up next to her face for most of the ultrasound, so the 3-D shots were not any good but we were able to get these good profile shots.

Nate was fine with the news even though when previously asked he said he wanted a boy. I honestly don't think he really cared and is happy to talk about his little sister.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers! Here's to another healthy 20 weeks until the little girl makes her debut!

What A Great Weekend

Wow - what a great weekend. Mimi & Paka came up for a visit and it was fabulous. We did mostly "new" activities to them, for some variety and also to stay away from the big attractions on a holiday weekend.

While Scott worked on Friday, we went to the Botanical Gardens. It was gorgeous, beautiful weather and surroundings.

Deep in thought by the Chinese balloons (or so I call them).

Nate loves this little stepping rock that is in the middle of the creek. His favorite part of the Gardens.

Feeding the humongous fish in the pond.

Walking along one of the many paths - Nate loves all the stone paths, but I have to admit, I love them too. Although not many lead to a different place, always back to the main walk, which is kind of a disappointment!

On Friday night, we did go to the Zoo to hear music and have a picnic. It was surprisingly not too crazy.

On Saturday, we headed downtown for the annual VP - 4th of July Parade. It didn't seem extremely hot until we sat our stuff down and waited for a few minutes. Then the roasting began. After a few minutes, we quickly moved across the street to some shade and were much happier.

Walking to the middle of the street trying to make the parade come. Ya know that works of course, just ask Nate.

It finally came, we got flags, saw some great floats and did not perish in the heat.

The Peach's came over for a 4th of July cookout, but sadly I didn't get any pictures. Too busy hostessing. I did get this one of Nate doing a sparkler. Thankfully the Peach's had some extra because it never crossed my mind to get some for Nate. He had a blast!

What a wonderful weekend filled with family & friends. So much fun to have Mimi & Paka visit for a long weekend. We love you!