Congratulations Joel and Jenn!

What a great trip to New Hampshire we had this weekend!! We started our journey in Cleveland where we met up with the rest of the Shibata clan (except Uncle Joel and Jenn). We all flew out of Hopkins, thinking that a 7:3 adult to kid ratio gave us pretty good odds of getting to the wedding without any major catastrophes.

The kids (and adults) all did really well on the plane. One lady actually commented that we must fly with our kids all the time. Ha Ha!

Getting ready to check-in.

Marie loved looking out at all the trees and houses down below.

Our "down time" at the hotel consisted of a lot of running up and down the hallway, checking out the pool, and generally hanging out. The weather on Friday was beautiful, so we went to downtown Portsmouth for a sandwich and a picnic. Then we headed to the rehearsal and dinner at Newick's Lobster House.

Evidence that Marie did actually drop some petals at one point (more on that later).

Shrimp and french fries. Yummy!

Before we knew it, the wedding day had arrived. Jon was with Joel and the other groomsmen most of the day, so I (with the help of Grandma and Aunt Jaclyn) got Marie ready to go. We spent a lot of time talking about what was going to happen and how silly it was that they actually wanted her to throw the "leaves" on the ground. I thought she was well prepped. When the time actually came, she and JJ set off down the aisle. For a split second, I thought they were going to make it. But, they ended up getting a bit shy and the best man and another groomsman (their respective fathers) came from the front of church to fetch them. All in all, it was still pretty cute. Then halfway through the ceremony, Marie whispers, "I want to throw the leaves on the ground." I just sighed....

The ceremony was beautiful. We got LOTS of compliments on Marie's dress. Thanks Aunt Karen! It was really perfect. The thunderstorm held out until during the reception when everyone was undercover, thankfully. The dance floor was packed as soon as the music started. Between that and the open bar, I think everyone had a great time.

Getting ready to walk down the aisle.

Marie and the girls...

Joey's still working on the whole picture taking thing...

Helping to pass the time while pictures are being taken.

The happy couple.

The maid of honor, best man, and ring bearer.

Parents of the groom.

Not sure what's going on here...

JJ says, "Let's boogie!"

"WE ARE FAMILY!"

Is that Uncle Ray on the dance floor?

JJ knows where to get the good stuff.

What good role models.

Late at night back at the hotel and exhausted, but still smiling.

On Sunday, we started the trek back to Michigan. Marie had to take a pit stop in the Manchester airport to test drive a new Mustang. Then, she got to sit by Grandma and Aunt Jess on the plane ride home.

All in all, it was a wonderful trip with many firsts and many laughs. Welcome to the family, AUNT JENN!!