Playing Catch Up

I'll admit that I've been remiss in keeping up to date with my blog.  Let's just say that life can be a bit crazy, and although I think about writing frequently,  even the best of intentions can get sidelined.

The Christmas season is officially over, but before too much time passes, I'd like to present some of the highlights from our holidays.

We had such a lovely trip to Arizona, albeit brief, and I had hoped to blog a bit more about our travels, but we spent nearly every free minute with family, and the internet connection in the room was SO slow that it wasn't worth even trying to post.

But here are some of our memorable moments:

Marty got to spend some time with both of his uncles:  Uncle Dick, who was thrilled with the gift Marty presented to him.

and Uncle Ray, the big mug on the right.

We briefly drove through Glendale to view the famous "Glitters".  They did not disappoint.

Enjoyed a delightful lunch and entertaining conversation with family,

as well as  Christmas caroling with the cousins

 along with Aunt Mary and Uncle Dick.

We finished the trip with a walking tour of the Luminaria display at the Desert Botanical Gardens.

Dazzling, for sure!

Once home, it was time to delve into holiday preparations:   Of course, we needed a tree.

As you can see, the end result was beautiful

Of course, the house needed to be decorated

And what's Christmas without cookies?

And Bolbaki for Christmas Eve Dinner.......

I'll let you guessed who helped.

The night was perfect!

Christmas Day was filled with entertainment: 

Great food shared with great friends

A little sparkly

Lots of celebrating

And, of course, fun with a pig.  

The night presented a rare full moon which managed to surface briefly through the mist.

Then it was time to make the drive to Pittsburgh for New Year's eve, which we spent with my in-laws.

Fun times, for sure!

Couldn't miss special moments with the princess

 and Chewbakka

and a new piggy for the princess to enjoy.

Saturday found us celebrating the anticipated arrival of a future set of granddaughters who are due to make an appearance sometime in the spring.

Much fun was had by all, and this little one certainly enjoyed the festivities as much as the adults!

And, luckily, there was some quality time with grandchildren prior to our leaving the next day.

Whew!  That was a LOT of activity! No wonder I haven't found the time to blog!  I got exhausted just writing this!

Celebrating a Very Special Occasion

So, just what would bring me to Phoenix, with Christmas less than two weeks away?

The answer to that question is:  the nuptials of my long time friend, Tammy to her now-husband Gerry.

  Tammy and I go way back, to second grade, I do believe (I'm certain that she remembers better than I), and it was a pleasure to be able to make the trip to attend this special event in her life.  I'm fairly certain that I could win the award  for being the "oldest" friend in attendance, not that I think that I should have any bragging rights to that.  But it was definitely enjoyable to meet so many people who are now a part of her life and see how many lives she has impacted in such a positive way.

Tammy and Gerry were married in a Quaker ceremony on a bright sunny day in a Friends Meeting house in Phoenix.  I was completely unfamiliar with this type of ceremony,  and you know how I love to take photos, so I was sure to ask and was encouraged to take as many as I felt comfortable taking.

Now, how's that for a challenge?  Don't worry....I was discreet.

I had read enough about the ceremony to know that Tammy and Gerry would be sitting next to each other, facing the people in attendance.  

Note the tissues under the table

Good thinking!

On the table was the official certificate waiting to be completed as part of the ceremony.

The event began with the couple walking together 

Then they stood to voice their intentions

Tammy first

Then Gerry, with cheat sheet in hand

Then the couple sat down, side by side, and enjoyed the testimonies as many in attendance offered their well wishes for this happy event.

The marriage certificate was signed

Then, everyone in attendance did the same.

There was fellowship in the hall afterwards, where we realized that we weren't the only Geisler's  in the place to call this special couple friends.

Of course, we had to get a photo with the newlyweds sandwiched between us

Ok, I'll be honest and mention that the couple on the left actually spells their name with two "ss" as Geissler, but they were certainly surprised when I introduced myself, and we all got quite a chuckle out of that coincidence.  Note the Quaker bonnet that Tammy is sporting in this photo.  Never a dull moment, that's for sure!

The reception was held in the evening at their home, where the house was lit up with decorations celebrating this special occasion,which was held on the feast of Our Lady of Guadelupe, who holds a special spot in Gerry and Tammy's life.

Congratulations, Tammy and Gerry

Thanks for inviting me to be a part of this special celebration in your lives!