A Family on Five Acres: Eat, Laugh, Dance (AKA Rachel and Matt's Reception)

Last weekend, we traveled to the Tw*n Cities again for Rachel and Matt's wedding reception. The nuptials took place Feb. 2, followed a couple of weeks later by the honeymoon cruise. Now, it was time to party, and Sarah was ready.

The celebration was a potluck, with lots of yummy food provided by friends and family. The entertainment was a local comedy improv group that Matt and Rachel have trained with, Karaoke, and board games provided on the tables. If ever there was a wedding reception that reflected the tastes and values of the couple, this was it. It was slightly unconventional and thoroughly enjoyable.

Sarah was fascinated by the comedy show and kept asking why the comics were doing the silly things they were. Part-way through, she decided she just had to give Grandma a kiss and made her way carefully around the dance floor where they were performing, over to Grandma, and back. She made repeated trips, which delighted Grandma and entertained some in the audience as much as the show did.

Sarah has come a long way in the nearly six months since Uncle George and Auntie Chelsey's wedding, where she refused to get out of her chair (and did her best to keep Mom and Dad in theirs). As soon as the Karaoke started, she was up dancing, and she didn't stop until the music did (Mom was so proud!). She hit the dance floor in style, wearing forty-five-year-old cowboy boots that first belonged to Mom, then cousin Kelley. They still make a fashion statement.

Of course, Emily, Omar, and Sophia were there, and Reid flew in from C*lifornia for the event. It was wonderful to spend time with them all. Sarah enjoyed seeing her big brother and warmed up to him quickly, even though we don't get together often. We met him for breakfast the next day, and she colored a picture, signed it, and gave it to him. It was sweet.