Madison and Ben's Wedding

Congratulations Mady and Ben! 

It was a beautiful, hot, and fantastic day. 

Here's the day in photos...

First things first - Family Dinner the night before the wedding at Calleen and Mike's . On our way up to Farr West, we stopped in to surprise Grandma and Grandpa Phelps. Even though it was a short visit, Olivia was all about giving them hugs on her way out.

  So fun to get the  two families together, and I loved finally meeting Ben! They had the backyard decorated beautifully, but then it had to go ahead and pour rain with gusty winds. It took a couple of hours, but we managed to move everything into the garage. Typical that once we finished the set up change, the sun came out and it stopped raining. Just typical.

We enjoyed some amazing food thanks to the Bukey family and  enjoyed a sweet and sentimental evening thanks to everyone's "toasts". Highlight for me was listening to Ben sing the song he wrote and sang to Mady during his proposal. Ben is an amazing man and I could see how much he adores my cousin. 

My Dad and brother being...well, themselves!

Again. Themselves.

The next morning we made the trek north again - this time to Bountiful for Mady and Ben's  Temple Sealing. 

The temple ceremony was beautiful. It brought back all the feelings and memories of my own wedding day.  We were also happily surprised that John Groberg was the sealer! He gave amazing yet simple counsel - read the scriptures, attend church, accept and support each other in church callings, never go a day without family prayer, and return to the temple as often as possible. 5 simple things that have a profound impact, even an eternal impact on our lives.

Livi played with Uncle Jordan while we were in the temple. They walked up and down and up and down and up and down the stairs, colored pictures, and talked to the temple workers. Thank you Jordan!!! Olivia sat and posed just like this for me when I told her I wanted to take a photo of her

Love these girls. While we waited for the bride and groom to change clothes, we all took photos in front of the temple.

Silly men. They were the smart ones and waited inside the waiting room in the air conditioning. 

My beautiful young parents! They haven't been able to attend all their nieces'/nephews' weddings, so it was a real treat to be here for their niece Madison. 

I love this photo. We were so so so blessed to have both Grandma and Grandpa Phelps with us. Grandma's health has been a little rough these past few months, we were so excited to have her spend the entire day with us. She was laughing and smiling again! Yay!

 Still waiting. Livi got a little cranky - nothing that a little Lala tickle time can' t fix!

The girls shared fishy crackers, followed each other around, and hung out by the "Passenger Loading Zone" sign.  They were so cute together. 

Throughout the entire day, Olivia followed Heidi around, insisting  to hold her hand or be held. Heidi was such a great sport.

Case in point.

We can't wait for the day when Jordan can be in the temple with us. Although...who will watch Olivia?!

Livi and two of her favorite men. She has both of them wrapped around her little finger. This darling dress she's wearing was given to her by her Aunt Calleen when she was born - she is so peachy cute!!!

I love my grandparents and wish we lived closer. It was so great to be able to see them and spend the day with them.

After photos at the temple, we all met up at Red Robin for lunch. Great food, good company, and so much fun watching Parker do his muscles face too! Livi and I didn't last too long in the car after lunch. We were tuckered out! I was thankful to Lisa who picked me up some flip flops at Old Navy in the interim (she and I forgot our flip flops and home, and our feet were killing us)!

Then it was off to the reception. They held it at this beautiful garden center. Flowers, pond, fish, canopy, lights, it was gorgeous. Aunt Calleen looked absolutely stunning. She also looks like an Native American in this photo! Thanks to all those lawns she mows, she is one dark mama! 

Happy face after enjoying some delicious slush! We didn't have spoons at the beginning, but that didn't stop us! We slurped it right up!

Olivia loved exploring the grounds. She even posed for me in the bushes of her own free will and choice!

She didn't want Grandpa Bill to get bored, so she took him on a walk.

Isn't this just the sweetest? Olivia had 3 grandpas to love around her. Grandpa Phelps, Grandpa Bill, and of course - Papa.

Grandpa and 2 of his favorite girls. We sure love this man.

Another great picture of my Grandpa. Isn't he a handsome man when he smiles?! (Rather than hide his face!)

Jordan took care of the face covering for Grandpa.

A mama's boy at heart.

Pretty girls. 

Papa and his girl. She has the most amazing smile doesn't she?

Livi Lou and her Great Grandpa Phelps. 

Olivia was a little warm, can you tell?

This is Olivia's new favorite pose. You can see how much her Lala loves it!

Smacks from Grandma Phelps!

During the dancing, Nixon asked Livi to dance. Talk about absolutely darling. They danced for at least 3 songs, including the bride and groom's first dance!

But what wedding would be complete without a dance with Papa?

Bouquet time! We were all hoping for Lisa. C'mon, it's time for this girl to find some amazing man. Nothing short of amazing though.

But the photographer ended up with the bouquet. Dang. Lisa did get a flower though!

Bubbles to send the bride and groom off!

Today could only have been better if Michelle (featured on Livi's doodle pad) could have been there with us. We sure missed her, Aaron and Josh. One of these days we'll all be together again as family.