Reception for Dan and Helen Part One

My brother Dan is a married man! His lovely wife, Helen, is British and French, so they were married in France at the end of July. Because Tabitha was so young, we decided not to go to their wedding, which in retrospect was a good but difficult decision. Thankfully, they tagged us onto their  honeymoon, and it worked for us to have a reception at our home! We had around 40+ family and friends come to our home to wish them well, and Dan and Helen stayed several extra days to enjoy time with three very happy nieces (and us too!).

We ordered a red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting as well as some chocolate cream filled cupcakes. As Rodney said, "This is the best cupcake I've ever eaten!" I love having a good excuse to order dessert from Trefzgers. Helen's mother also sent some of the leftover wedding cake back with my parents. Per Helen's request, her mom made a traditional English Christmas cake, very similar to a fruitcake. And the flowers were lovingly made by a family friend. It was fun to try a piece of the cake.

Helen also made Hibiscus tea, which is a traditional N.African brew. It was quite tart and refreshing and good for your blood pressure, I'm told. :)

The lovely couple. And I'm not just saying that. They truly are lovely. I am very blessed to have such a wonderful brother and sister! 

One of their friends who knew them before they began dating was able to come over from Ohio!

 

My Aunt Sarah is wonderful and Tabitha thinks so too. Tabitha enjoyed being held by many people during the course of the day.

Cousin Anna, Tabitha and Grandma Lois. My Grandma Lois was very ill a year before. I'm still praising God for her recovery and spunk!

Grandma Joyce and Aunt Tanna (visiting from Indiana and Montana!)

Grandpa Dean, Amanda, and Grandma Barbara enjoying themselves :)

We were blessed to enjoy a reprieve from the HOT HOT HOT Midwest summer. It was actually quite pleasant to be outside on the deck, for which we were all thankful!