Punkin and I had checked into our hotel, leaving the keys for Hubby and our babysitter, Dit, at the front desk for when they arrived, made two trips to the car to retrieve our belongings and were settled into the room.

I closed the drapes and turned the TV on low for background noise and attempted to soothe Punkin into a nap. Ha! The nap in the church was just what she needed, and apparently nothing more. We killed time by looking out the windows, playing with the draperies, bouncing on the bed, checking out the big bathroom, eating Pepperidge Farm Goldfish Pretzels and then pouring them from one container to another. I pretty much stayed in one place and silently begged Punkin to lay down and nap. I knew we still had more than 6 hours to go before we could hope to get her to sleep, and I didn't want either of us to miss any of the reception.

Hubby arrived, Punkin and I changed into our "reception clothes" and downstairs we went to mingle. People ooh'd and aah'd over Punkin and what a good job she did, as she did the dance of the antsy. We were all over that banquet foyer, she wanted to be held, she wanted to get down, she wanted to go for a walk. I felt like I was being pulled in several directions at once, and in a dress where that was a very risky thing indeed! Thankfully, some kind relatives took pity on me, and took Punkin for a walk outside. I relaxed for a few minutes then went out to look for them. As I rounded the corner of the building I saw Punkin with the kind relatives and my sister, Dit! (surprise, surprise!) Dit was kind enough to be the designated babysitter (seeing as how all the babysitters on Hubby's side were in the wedding!) and had arrived early. I had never been more grateful to see her than I was at that moment. I didn't realize how overwhelmed I was with Hubby's people, and now Tillie's people. Finally! One of MY people! I let the kind relatives continue their walk with Punkin for a few minutes and walked s-l-o-w-l-y into the building with Dit. It surprised me that I really wanted to just go upstairs and chit-chat with her while I took a break from everyone else. (Not that I didn't want to be there or enjoy they're company or anything, it was just nice to have a quiet break from all the hub-bub of the day.)

The most striking thing about the banquet hall was the fabulous balloon decorations. They were beautifully intertwined with netting and Christmas lights. It was truly lovely. Several people took the extra super huge balloons home for their children. Yes, we were some of those people. You should have seen Punkin's eyes light up!

We were soon seated at our dinner table for the reception. Punkin was still in that antsy stage, and we got up to walk around and see people several times during dinner. The bride and groom had ordered her a very special dinner of chicken strips and french fries. It came with a fruit cup, and she got her very own bottle of ketchup! I was delighted. Every detail was thought of. The "adult" dinner, on the other hand was filet with some awesome mashed potatoes. The vegetables looked terrific, too, but I wasn't about to waste my appetite on vegetables. I'm not a veggie person. I couldn't possibly do it justice to describe the meal, but let me tell you, it was fabulous. I wish I would have asked for another. It would have been hoggish, but I could have finished it. I was famished!

Dinner was winding down, Punkin was distracted by several relatives, and I began to relax. I took some pictures of her dancing with several relatives and being her adorable self. You can be sure I'll be getting a triple set of those pictures! Anytime I can show off the daughter, I'm all over it. We even had a family photo taken. I really hope that one turns out. It's been too long since we've had a Three Ring Circus picture done.

It was soon time for bed and Hubby and I escorted her upstairs, where she was all too happy to see Dit and beg her to help her bounce on the bed.

The rest of the evening spun out with some dancing, much laughter and several drinks. It was pleasant and wonderful. After the reception was over, we moved to the bar where we chatted with some friends we haven't seen in a while. More drinking, more laughter and we soon called it a night. But not before some drunk idiot who couldn't focus his eyeballs any better than he could walk hit on me. Twice. With all 6'4" of Hubby standing next to him. Hubby convinced him to leave the bar and was all set to defend my honor when Billy the groom interceded. That's a good thing. (Nothing is more flattering than being hit on by a sloppy drunk, I assure you.)

We finally bid adieu to our friends and family and went to bed ourselves.

A lovely evening, a lovely weekend. Congratulations to Billy and Tillie. Thank you for including us in your special day. May you always be happy with each other and be blessed in the years ahead.

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