Pre-Wedding

Hi all,

I meant to get this out sooner, but have been too busy enjoying the preparations and visiting pre-wedding. We are so thankful to have arrived as planned, with the ash clouds stopping flights in Ireland and Scotland while we were still in Heathrow. After that we were still saying our prayers as Jeff still had to get here from Cairo via Amsterdam, Nicole from Switzerland and the rest of Natalie's relatives from the UK. As it turned out, everyone made it except for one Bridesmaid but that was because of a family crisis.

We started on the social circuit as soon as we arrived, catching up with friends and relatives and doing what we could to help out with wedding preparations - which wasn't much as Natalie and her Mom Elizabeth had everything under control. Dale got the Motorhome out and cleaned up then putting the wings on his airplane was his next priority. I did get down to Nanaimo on Friday with Adam and Natalie to get her a cute little outfit for their honeymoon, as well as a purple satin guest book and a few other last minute items, while Dale got his first flights in.

We are still under the effects of the time change, but the good part is that I am up and at the gym by 6:30am every other day with Mom. We are also getting in some early morning walks. It has been a bit chilly for me, but at least that does keep one walking quickly to keep warm.

Mother's Day was lovely. 10 of us went to Monte Cristo's for lunch after church to celebrate, including of course Dale's Mom and my Mom and Dad, Auntie Lydia and Uncle Mac, Bob and Adam and Natalie.

Monday had Adam and Natalie and Dale and I out on the golf course. You would never believe that they were getting married on Saturday - Natalie was so calm. My Dad picked Joel up at the ferry and we all went out for Sushi again - the Ichi Ban being a favourite of Adam and Natalie.

Tuesday was practise day for my hair while the guys hit the golf course. Amazingly my hair held its curl for two days, so I had no fear of it falling out on Saturday. Since I was downtown I just dropped into a couple of favourite stores and came back with a few things that I probably didn't need, but it was lovely to find clothes that fit and suited me.

Thursday we toured the local brewery with several of the out-of-towners and sampled a couple of their brews. Afterwards we were in fine form to head over to Burt's to set up tables and chairs for the wedding. The rehearsal went well on Friday (after the guys managed to fit in yet another game of golf). As soon as the processional started I got a bit teary, but I think I will get through it well enough. We went out to the Black Fin Pub afterwards with the whole gang. There were too many of us to fit at one table so we had an adults table and the kids table - that would be all those under 30. Jeff ordered champagne all around as usual and kept us all in fine form.

Things were very calm for us on Saturday with Mom and I getting our hair done and lots of time to get ready for the big event. I had Dale's Mom's outfit all pressed and ready for her to wear and the staff at the nursing home were wonderful and got her all ready for Bob to pick up.

And now I will leave you in suspense about the wedding as I await a few pictures to send . . .