Family, Friends, & Fun

Rich’s dad and stepmom have been visiting from Calgary the past couple of weeks – they couldn’t get enough of us so they came here! I jest…but it’s nice to be able to spend this much time with them as it’s tough with them being so far away. We’ve had family dinners at Rich’s sister’s place, and we took them to my parents place up north so they could officially “meet” before the big day. It was amazing – they got along famously and really have a lot in common with each other. I love that. Saturday Rich and I are hosting a family dinner, and on Sunday we’re back at his sister’s for another family get-together/housewarming party – so it’ll be a full, but fun weekend.

I went to a bridal show this past weekend – just a small one in town. Two of my bridesmaids came with me and we went out for lunch first. It was a nice afternoon and we had some laughs – mostly making fun of people (mean, I know) but there are some strange folk out there. There was a fashion show and none of the dresses fit the girls – they were all clipped and pinned and the girls looked terrified – it wasn’t very well organized. That’s what you get for small town bridal shows I suppose – but they tried and we had fun anyway. There’s a big bridal show coming up in Toronto that I’ll be going to, although there’s not a whole lot that I need to scout out. I’m pretty well organized (duh…). Rich's mom has graciously offered to do all my flowers for the wedding so that's another big thing taken care of, and it'll be nice to have them 'made with love' - although, she may not love me so much after the 11th boutonniere! But the bridal shows are fun to go and see other brides-to-be, and look at the fashion trends and get some other ideas I may not have thought of. It’s all part of the process, you know? I’m looking forward to it. I have to admit, when I was at the one last weekend and they said “who’s the bride?” – it felt amazing to say “it’s me!!” Then they looked at my ring and stuck a sticker on my shirt that simply said “BRIDE”. That way the vultures – I mean vendors - knew who to focus on.

The weekend following this one, a bunch of us are doing the CIBC Run for the Cure to help raise money and awareness for breast cancer research. We’re running in support of Rich’s Auntie Marie. We have a National team with runners in Calgary as well as Toronto. Then after the run we’re having the Toronto team members back to our place for a BBQ. So, September is proving to be a busy month, but a rewarding one too. Hoping the same for all of you!