Matt & Karalee Tie the Knot

After all the chaos leading up to the wedding, and then thinking we weren't going to be on time, it was a huge relief to arrive and find that everything would be just fine. My cousin Cherise volunteered to watch kids for us. Mostly she watched Ethan and Diane's kids. It was so nice of her to do that so we could know the kids were in good hands!

It was really neat to sit in the temple and look all around at family and friends. When Matt walked in with his bride my eyes were suddenly wet. I don't know why I didn't think I would cry. Luckily one my sisters had an extra tissue. It was such an overwhelming feeling to be in that beautiful place all together and know that our family was about to be that much more complete. As I looked at Karalee I felt like I could read her emotions so well. I saw in her face much of what I experienced on my own wedding day. And I felt such a warm pride as I looked at my brother. What a good and handsome man he has become!

The sealer was a general authority that Karalee's family knows. He talked quite a long time about temple covenants and then he performed a very beautiful ceremony. It was a wonderful experience.

Afterward, we found Charise who said that Ethan had done just fine, and we joined everyone else outside the temple doors to await the happy couple.

I love this picture of my happy little runner. :)

We had one of my sisters snap a photo of us. My mom made all of our yellow tops. Mine came out a little large, so I took it in. I was proud of myself for figuring out how to do it all by myself.

Silly boy. Good thing the temple grounds are clean!

The three oldest nieces. None of them have sisters, so they call each other sister-cousins. Aren't they adorable?

And for comparison, here are the same three cuties at my wedding five years ago.

And here are some of the boy cousins. Apparently Terral and I didn't pay enough attention to one of the emails and we didn't dress Ethan quite right. . .

And here are more fun nephews. :)

My boys being silly. 

Waiting and waiting for the princess bride to come out!

Beautiful sisters :)

Awesome parents! (Who are all done with planning weddings now!)

And the moment the two lovebirds enter the world as a married couple.

I thought it was cute how all the nieces swarmed around Karalee showering her with praises, and all the nephews gathered around Matt.

Aaannnd switch!

And the of course we had family pictures. While we were waiting our turn, some of the kids had fun playing around one of the planter boxes.

Trying to get a picture with all the nieces and nephews.

I didn't get any other family shots, so I might have to get some from Matt later on.

After pictures were done, we all met at a church for the luncheon.

We left Ethan's change of clothes at Rachel's, so he was half-naked during this part of the celebration.

My cousin Cherise is the one with the pink shirt on. 

When we were all finishing up, anyone who wanted to had the opportunity to tell a story about the bride or groom. There were tears and much laughter.

I think that's a very good way to start off a marriage. :)