Saturday Hike

This has been such a fun week! I've been keeping busy busy helping get ready for the wedding next week. Dress fittings, Creating/printing/assembling/folding/embossing the programs (which turned out beautifully!!), and lots of other fun activities. But Justin declared Saturday to be family day and we were going to go hiking. I must admit, it was great to inhale fresh air instead of embossing powder. :-)

We hiked Palmer Red Rock Trail which was just over 6 miles. 2 miles of them were steep incline. It was one of the most intense, hard things I've physically done, but it was gorgeous. This KS flatlands girl just needs to get used to hiking UP. :-)

Getting ready to go

This deer jumped right out next to us. All three of us were so startled!

WE MADE IT!! This was after the 2 mile incline. This was also when Justin told me we hadn't even made it to the top yet, just the steepest part of the incline. :-)

Family picture in front of the look out. I love the carpet of pine trees

The very top of the peak. Beautiful views. There was only a very very very narrow passage between two rocks to get up there as it was well off the beaten path. Only crazy hikers like us go up there apparently.

My brave husband climbed up even higher... sans me and Braxton (couldn't keep the balance with the baby carrier). At the very top of the highest rock of the peak is the radio tower thing.

Braxton hanging out on the cliff

(Before anyone freaks out about above picture, it's an angle picture. I was right behind Braxton securely holding him. :-))

After the climb to the top, we began a beautiful 4 mile descent. The trail wound through the mountains. Amazing views and lots of FOREST (which I am falling more and more in love with)!

I found a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree!

According to Justin, as soon as this house goes for sale we are buying it

A surprise creek that flowed across the path

At the end of the trail we walked along the creek and then decided to take a break and enjoy the water and the day. It was freezing and refreshing!

So relaxing!

We're done!! Now for some Chipotle! :-)

For Your Viewing Pleasure :-)

Updated pictures of our little boy!

Sleeping away!

Peekaboo!!

This is Braxton's cabinet. It has all of the tupperware and baking sheets so it's the only one he's allowed to play in. He just recently learned he can crawl inside of it. :-)

At the park!

Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Bergen!

On July 10, 2010, Justin and I had the honor of being involved in Brandon and Amanda's wedding. Justin was best man and I was "maid" of honor. What a joy and a privilege to be able to be with our best friends while they united their lives and love forever in Christ. Brandon and Amanda had a beautiful ceremony that was so uplifting and every aspect of the ceremony pointed others to our Heavenly Lover. Marriage is such a beautiful picture of our relationship to Christ and I am so blessed to have friends (who double as family!) who strive to make their marriage reflect that picture.

The day began with getting ready! Our dresses were wrap style dresses and we couldn't figure out the dresses so the bride had to show us how to do them...while getting her hair done. :-)

Me with one of my best friends Shannon. I love how after spending a week with Shannon I always feel Spritually refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of the world!

Helping the bride get ready

I love how in this picture you can see three best friends who are absolutely giddy with excitement!

Final touches!

This is me with Hope, the little girl I nannied. Her mom did our hair and makeup for the wedding (and did an amazing job!). We had to kill some time so we decided to do girly pictures. :-) This one is my favorite!

Two of my best friends! Amanda + Ivy + Laura = Sweet friendship! :-)

The beautiful ceremony

By far the longest kiss I've ever seen at a wedding. :-)

Off to the honeymoon!

Braxton got changed immediately after the wedding because if was so hot. Here he is sporting Uncle Ryan's hot pink tie.

Pastor Franks and Josh Maness cleaning up the fireworks that were used to send off the newlyweds!

The two Mrs. Bergens: Best Friends, "Sisters", and now cousins!

Trip back to Wichita

We had a whirlwind trip back to Wichita the July 5-11 for Brandon and Amanda's wedding. It was such a fun, crazy week! I still can't believe it's over and they're married! Here are a few pictures from the other happenings of the week.

Ready to leave for the airport at 6am on Monday July 5. Braxton and I flew into Wichita because Justin wasn't going to be able to drive out until Wednesday and I didn't want to drive 8 hours by myself with a toddler. A one hour flight sounded much better to me. :-) I don't have any pictures of us at the airport because I was juggling, Braxton and two carry-ons (opted not to check any baggage because it's so stinkin' expensive!)

That evening Jesse and Crystal came over and I realized I hadn't done pictures of the boys since Thanksgiving so I took them outside while the lighting was still good. I didn't get many shots of them both looking at me, but I got some good candid shots. :-)

Cute boy!

They were both completely captivated by the airplane that was flying by!

I love this one! Those two always have so much fun when they are together!

This was the closest I got to both of them looking at me with pleasant expressions and eyes open. :-)

Me with Katilynn. I was getting ready to go out with Lisa and she came downstairs and said she wanted me to make her "pretty too!" After I explained to her she already was beautiful just the way she was, we did a mini makeover. Then she wanted her hair "poofed up in the front like yours, Aunt Laura." I love my little girly girl niece. I asked Kathryne, who had turned down all makeup offers, if she wanted to "smell-good spray." She replied "sure" and as soon as I handed her the bottle, she proceeded to spray Johnny with it. I love my little tomboy, prankster niece!

Braxton and I on the rocking horse that used to be mine

Johnny's latest hobby...plastic cup tower building

Wedding Stuff!!! Wednesday we folded programs

Embossing programs

Tasting punch. Yummy!

On Thursday we did flowers. I arranged most of the table centerpieces, while the other girls worked on corsages.

Creating Amanda's bouquet.

Friday we had to set up at the church. This was NOT how the reception area was supposed to be set up! Shannon and I started to rearrange and then the Wegener recruits came and helped us whip it into shape!

After! So much better!

Steaming tablecloths. This did not work!

Working in the sanctuary trimming pew bews. I just so happened to trim this one a little too short! :-)

At the bachelorette party, I arranged for Gretchen Middleton to come to a photoshoot of all the girls with the bride. Since Amanda is moving away, I figured it would be a fun way for her to remember her friends! Gretchen did a phenomenal job!!
Photo by Gretchen Middleton

Photo by Gretchen Middleton

Photo by Gretchen Middleton

Photo by Gretchen Middleton

Photo by Gretchen Middleton

Photo by Gretchen Middleton