A Week of Lovely people

Just as I predicted…this summer has ben full of days not worthy of writing about. Until last week that is! My brother married a beautiful, smart, and kind girl who I am glad to call my friend. Alongside my oldest brother's wedding, it was one of the best days of my life. I think it was the first time I truly understood the feeling of being proud of someone…you know the type of "Oh honey I am so proud of you" you get from mom and dad when you manage to graduate kindergarden. As I stood in front of all of our closest friends and family (and cried for the entire ceremony) God seemed to let me in on a hint of that emotion He must feel when He sees us do something according to His plan. And I think that is just what Scott and Grace have done. They have chosen to listen to what God has for them in their individual lives which has led them to the relationship I believe God has always had waiting for them. On a run today with my friend Hannah she put it very wisely. She said something like, "I don't know if I believe there is just one person for everyone. Sometimes I think I should be doing something about finding that person. But then I remember to stop looking around and trust God with my life. If God wants to put my life with someone else's…ok." I have admired my brother's patience for the last four years as he dated Grace and remained faithful to her and God to wait and see if God would ultimately bring them together. So, when they finally were pronounced husband and wife (after an impromptu Happy Birthday from the guests to mom) it was as if God was saying, "You have both waited and trusted me and included me in your relationship. Good job. Now go be married." Now, enough of all the emotional stuff. Everything at the wedding was perfect; of course, the most fun part being the dancing. EVERYONE DANCED! for hours. And that was to be expected after a week of bachelor and bachelorette parties, eternal Juniper Street block party, an unforgettable rehearsal dinner party, and a wedding day of preparation. All the fun had been building up and climaxed on the dance floor. Oh, and I forgot to mention the day that was clearly a gift from God. Somehow, we got to have a day of mom, dad, Joe, Scott, and me together without anyone else around. I can't remember the last time that happened and it was so much fun bouldering, working, and eating together all day! Anyways, I was so blessed by seeing the way everyone in the bridal party loved my brother and sister-in-law and the way they took time to love all of us back. Not to mention the way the Irwin family has made mine feel completely a part of theirs. The next day, after everybody had left, our house felt strangely empty. It was ok though because we got to see Scott and Grace again Tuesday night to open gifts which was really fun! Just another of many family celebrations to come. They are living the life in Costa Rica right now and I can't wait for them to get home. All to say, I love my brother. And all this wedding stuff really got to me…Hannah, Aubrey, and I just had to watch Pride and Prejudice the next night and make lists of predicted bridesmaids…but we definitely didn't make lists of what we want our husband to be like…or did we?