COLORADO! Rafting, hiking, food, wedding, family

We just had a really amazing weekend in Colorado with the Manker fam and the Hinkson fam and many friends. Archie did really well on both car rides- he is a born traveler, in fact he has already been to Michigan, California, Montana, and Colorado oh and Illinois, we can't forget Chicago and the Morins!

The wedding was beautiful, Laura was beautiful and Ben was handsome, it was a great day. And the rain stopped just in time for the outdoor wedding! I love you all, we had such a fun time talking and getting to see everyone again, especially Zach and Courtney-

Here are some pictures. Enjoy!

The beautiful bouquet of flowers in my new REI bottle- both compliments of Laura, thanks!

Archie ready to go hiking at 7:30 am- he has socks on his hands and feet because we didn't have mittens. He made it as far as we did, he probably could've gone farther, but his parents wussed out.

The ascent. This is a back shot of mom and Zach. Yeah for hikes! (yes that big mountain is the one we are about to climb).

Kate, Dad, Zach, Ben and Archie- taking a rest, a drink and a picture. As we hiked up we all started to shed layers of clothing, then as we continued, we all put them back on- it was chilly up there.

This is the point where Ben and I thought "hey we can make it a little bit farther... (as we are huffing and puffing, the hike started at 12,000 ft and went up to 14,000). And we did, we made it about 100 more yards then turned around!

Both boys later on; playing with their toys on their backs. Archie has his new favorite toy from Grammy Manker, Tommy Tolo.

Rehearsal dinner! Aunt Laura with a distracted little Arch face.

Ben, Arch, Courtney and Zach. Go Family.

Alex and Christy!

Aunt Christy and Archie, once again distracted. (The trick, we learned while taking wedding photos is to have people behind the camera clap, he loves clapping).

Tori, my cousin, and Archie. Beautiful.

There really were wolves. This was at the site where Ben and Laura were married. During the rehearsal the wolves began to howl-

He stared at us. It was scary.

During the rehearsal we all stopped to join a picture. Bride right in the middle. Nick, green shirt, one of Ben's best friends was the officiant for the wedding, he married Ben and Laura, that was really cool. Jessica, blue shirt, was one of Ben's beautiful groomsmen, she did walk with the men, but she got to hold a bouquet too! There is also, Zach, Grandma Manker, Kate, and on the other side, Ben and Archie. It was a fun morning.

Christy pulling weeds before the wedding, right on!

So, Ben wasn't originally in the wedding, not walking any how, but the pianist who was a groomsmen had to play the piano of course, so Ben was the stand in, and I got to walk down the aisle with him. It was sweet.

Grooms cake- made by one of Ben and Laura's students- how cool.

The cake and cupcakes, fun to look at more fun to eat.

Okay, so if you look close you will see on Alex's face a line down his cheek where he apparently stopped applying his sunscreen. He was a little burnt from our hike on Saturday, and I had to capture it, pretty funny.

Ready for a wedding!

Courtney was so great, she watched Archie during the wedding because most everyone else in the family had a role. Thanks Courtney!

I had a picture like this on my wedding day- my three brothers lifted me up and held me sideways... we tried it with Ben; crazy.

Siblings, spouses, and nephew. (oh and it was cold, that is why we look like we are cold)

For mom.

The bride walking the the brides cottage to finish getting ready!

I think it must be some sort of unspoken rule that you need help getting your shoes on after you've put your wedding dress on. I know I could've done it myself if I had to, but it was easier to let someone help me. Erin helping Laura put on her shoes.

Archie and Uncle Alex. Archie loves his ladybug brush.

Grandpa and Archie, still going to town on the brush.

Pre-wedding picture. So sweet.

Ben Occhipinti, Stephanie Clark, Courtney and Zach.

Manker family! This is everyone, so far.

Groom and groomsmen.

Bride and Groom and bridesmaids.

Aunt Sally, Mom and Aunt Sulane. Cheers!

At our very nice reception, Archie's mother spilled water all over Archie's leg. Oops. He didn't seem to mind, he just wanted to eat!

Ben and Laura right in the middle of the room at their own private table.

My cousin Cory and his daugter Alex, she was walking all over, it was adorable.

Tori and Taylor! It was so fun to see you both!

The back of Laura's dress, she looked so gorgeous. I should've taken a picture with her train out, but this was really simple and beautiful too.

This kid was sooo tired. The music was blasting, people were talking and having fun, and he just slept in the back corner.

Oh yeah, this. Well for the wedding dinner Ben and Laura wanted to roast a pig, and so that is what they ordered. After the wedding there was so much of it left that they took it home and bar-b-qued the rest, it was delicious, but I can't help thinking of the Lord of the Flies every time I see this picture. This happened to be sitting right in front of Ben and Laura's condo, when Guapa, their dog, saw it she got scared. Who wouldn't?

We had a great time with lots of great adventures. It made me ever more thankful for my family, for great relationships, for love and friendships- I have said this before, but I think it is one of the greatest blessings in the world to really love your family and to feel like you are dear friends as well. I miss you all already- but I am sure we'll all have more adventures to come!