Dallon & Natalie's Open House in Mtn. Home

This weekend, it was our turn to set up for the Open House for Dallon & Natalie in Mountain Home. As you can see below, we had some wonderful helpers. Tyler loved helping his uncle Josh and grandpa bring in the fences.

Of course I had to get a picture of Josh helping his mom iron. (Because I threw a big fit and declared, "I don't iron!" I did finally break that rule and help iron the curtains we used as table runners.)

I love how cute everything turned out. This table was for the bigger wedding pictures and to display any quilts. By the end of the night, there may have been a few more quilts, but I wasn't able to get a picture of that. 

For gift favors, Barb bought some taffies in the wedding colors and guest could fill their own bag to take home. I also want to mention, that I bought the tulips and the roses (in the above picture) at 11:30 the night before. We had gone to Vernal for our date and I decided to check in with Barb and see if she needed anything. Twenty-five minutes and 3 trips around Wal-mart later, I had a few things in my shopping cart with a promise to come back and buy the flowers so they wouldn't freeze in my car while we went to dinner and a movie. Wal-mart is pretty quite at 11:30 at night, wish it was closer to home so I could do my shopping then.

The cake survived the trip from Loa. 

Natalie's bouquet for the night. 

I loved how cute the tables were and yet also how simple. Although, they were the slight disagreement. We only set up four, so I thought we should only use 3/4 of the gym, instead of the full gym. While Barb and Melanie ran to town to get lunch, I had Dallon help me move the table up about 4 feet. I don't think Barb even noticed. 

Each table had two flower jars (aren't they so cute in those mason jars!) and four pictures that varied from engagement pictures to wedding pictures. 

The gift table centerpiece. 

This is where the bride and groom and their parents were going to greet guest. I know the picture is blurry, but that is because I thought I'd be able to get a picture when the line was all set up and receiving guest. There was some problems getting Grandpa Paul to the reception, so Matt was a few minutes late. So Josh stood in the line with his mom until Matt could get there. 

Kind of last minute, it was decided that Dallon should have his own corner. I think he just wanted an excuse to show off his elk horn sheds he's found in the past few years. Josh hasn't worn his hat the last two weekends because, well I'm not completely sure. I think he just wanted to look nice for his brother and not stick out. He asked on Saturday if he could wear his hat to the Open House. I told him I didn't see why not, since Dallon was setting up his elk horns. And that is exactly what he told Dallon, "Savannah says I can wear my hat since you set up elk horns."

The cookie table. At the end of the night, there was still hundreds of cookies. I agree with Barb, cookie is a bad word right now. 

The reception started at 7:00, but Barb had prepared a light dinner for family at 6:30. At 6:50 my mom called to tell me that Valex was sick and Vanessa was taking him to the ER. (He has a aortic stenosis so they have to be careful and really watch for things like strep throat.) My mom was out of town so she was hoping I could go help watch Daxsen. I called Vanessa and offered to come get Daxsen. (All without mentioning the reception because I knew she would tell me no.) She decided that since it was close to his bedtime, she would put him to bed and then his dad could watch him while she took Valex in. So it was decided she would call me if I needed anything.

Then I stressed. And cried. And worried. Ten minutes later, Josh told me to go to the ER with her since I was so worried. So I did. I had a pair of sweat in the car to change into later that night for cleanup. I put them on, over my nylons, and then put my high heels back on because I wasn't smart enough to also bring a change of shoes for the night. I pulled into the hospital parking lot about 90 seconds ahead of my sister.

I am so grateful I can't have kids. It was so hard watching the nurse and doctor try to check him out and watch him cry because he was scared. I was even asked to push the x-ray button so the tech could help Vanessa hold him in place for the x-ray of his lungs. I'm glad I could be there for my sister, but I'm also glad its not something I'll ever have to go through on my own.

Finally at about 10:00 the doctor came in to tell us it wasn't strep; just a cold and ear infection. So I got back to the church in time to help finish cleaning up. I know Josh got a bunch of the cousins to help decorate Natalie's car. He thinks since they stretched this over three weekends, it was perfectly fine to make sure the car was decorated each weekend. I'll try to get some pictures of that from someone because Josh was quite proud of it.

I'll also have to get a picture of my dress I had for that night. I started my weight loss journey last year just for this event. Well, not just this, but it was a big reason that kept me going. I was kind of sad that I was only there for a few minutes, but a few people made sure to track down Josh and tell him how amazing I looked before I ran out the door.

I love Dallon & Natalie, but I am so glad to have all this wedding craziness over. This body is ready to not have to travel and eat out anymore. I think each weekend turned out perfect and hope they think so too.

Now to just figure out what to give them as a wedding gift...