I guess a regular update on our lives will have to suffice! J and I went to London in April/May along with our good buddy, Mary B. We had a terrific time in London, saw all the good stuff, and enjoyed performances of the Royal Ballet's The Sleeping Beauty , in addition to catching Spamalot on the West End. I am absolutely convinced that if I make it to Heaven, it will resemble a performance of Spamalot, complete with the confetti and Monty Python sing along.
After a few days in London, we went up to the Lake District and stayed in the booming metroplis that is Great Strickland. The place we rented was AMAZING. I would STRONGLY recommend this self-catering option to anyone interested in staying in a teeny tiny village a little off the beaten path. Jeremy and I did a hike that was supposed to last six hours, but we got lost and hiked to the wrong village. We finished in half the expected time.
My beautiful sister and her husband got married in June and we were thrilled to celebrate with them. Here are a few pics from the joyful occasion:
My sister is pretty much the most beautiful human being on the planet:
Their kids will be ridiculously good looking, in addition to being ridiculously tall.
For those of you who couldn't make it to the wedding, here is the toast I gave. I'm not posting this because I think I'm a great toast-giver, rather, I would like the entire world to know how highly I think of Mary Kate and Brien. They are pretty darn awesome. I love my family.
I am thrilled to take part in the celebration of this joyful union and am surprised you trust me with a microphone.
Brien, I want to share with you a secret about your new wife. Having been fairly well-acquainted with her for the past 23 years, I can say with complete confidence that her internal beauty far surpasses her radiant external beauty. Even on a day like today.
Growing up with Mary Kate, it was clear that she possessed a grace and spiritual grounding far beyond her years. * Always sensitive to the needs of others, Mary Kate embodies what it means to love unconditionally. She is generous and kind, intensely thoughtful and always welcoming.
In all honesty, I could not imagine any man ever being worthy of such a gift as my little sister.
And then we met you, Brien.
At the risk of embarrassing you, I want to say that you and Mary Kate are two peas in a pod. I’m not sure two more compassionate and loving people exist. Brien, you are a remarkable young man and I could not be happier that you are a part of our family. You and Mary Kate have created a relationship that nourishes not only yourselves, but those around you.
For me, you embody the words of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount: blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied, blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy, blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God, blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons and daughters of God.
And now, on this most special occasion, I invite you all to raise your glasses in honor of Mary Kate and Brien.
I love you both.
*Mary Kate did bite/pinch me on occasion, but I was willing to overlook that.
1 comment:
Mary Kate was the prettiest bride since her older sister :)
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