Part of the reason the week was so scattered was due to the migraine I got Saturday through Monday (boo!!!) that canceled my existence plans for those days, and the other part was waiting to see when I'd get a chance to see this gal:
Julie arrived in Oregon the previous Friday and was hoping to spend time with us on Sunday - and then maybe Monday, and then for sure, Tuesday. Well, that was the plan anyway, Monday night, as Julie was actually leaving for our house around 9pm to arrive by midnight, when family plans actually had her do a U-turn, and return back to Cannon Beach. We COMPLETELY understood, and actually supported her decision to do all she could to honor her family, knowing this was the last time she'd be in Oregon before getting married in Oahu in August. Also, I knew something she didn't. I knew that Mikayla and I would be driving up to attend her surprise bridal shower on Sunday, so I wouldn't be robbed of Julie time afterall.
Julie, however, did NOT know that, and in concern for her daughter, her mom suggested that we offer to come hear her speak at her family's church that same Sunday, so that Julie would know she'd get to see us to, and not blow the surprise. I loved the idea, as it allowed us to hear Julie speak on her experiences with STN, allowed us to see Nic, who flew in just for the weekend, and worked it out so that our whole family drove up to Cannon Beach vs. just us girls.
These smiles were very genuine!
Julie was pretty much "on to us" about the shower, but I was NOT going to be the one to blow the surprise. Given she had a suspicion her time might not be hers to decide upon after church, she opted to ride with us from the church back to her house (which ended up being Cannon Beach's Chamber of Commerce).
This is what happens when you have a sister who is an interior designer and a mom who owns a gift shop/floral shop/cafe in town - a very beautiful and impressive shower!
Julie was thrilled to see these ladies had made it from Portland to come see her.
Beautiful decor, wonderful food....
Some time was spent asking Julie questions (along with us) about how well she knows Nic - and what answers he would give. That was very endearing. But, then, when they announced we'd be doing the "Design a Wedding Gown with Toilet Paper" game, I just about threw a hissy fit. I am NOT a game person to start with at such events. But, this one, seriously, what is the purpose? My poor daughter had to be a "Child Bride"
(But, she looked adorable).
And, here's the other gals that were also victimized. Julie got to be the judge and decide which dress she'd choose.
Maybe it was all worth it when I was able to capture this expression on this little participant's face. Kind of says it all, doesn't it? (Hey sweetie, cheer up, Julie actually picked you as the winner....) ;)
Then, on to present opening. She got a whole lot of "nothing" when it comes to articles of clothing, if you know what I mean.... It was kind of amusing because she'd open present after present with "thongs" - and this little girl seated in front of us kept asking Mikayla what those were for and why she kept getting them....
Case in point....
Mikayla and I snuck out around 3:15, knowing we had a three hour drive ahead of us and that the guys had already returned to pick us up. (At this point, folks were going around the room explaining how they knew Julie, and based on the first 5 people, it was looking to take a while....there were probably over 40 in attendance....).
It was really quite bittersweet to see Julie, get the opportunity to listen to hear and have her to ourselves for a few minutes - and then have to just leave the scene knowing we won't see her until a few days prior to her wedding. But, we'll take what we can get - and I sure am thankful it worked out as much as it did.
Clearly, the whole weekend tuckered the kids out....and with a plane ride across the states happening on Friday - I suspect we might be seeing this scene again in the not so distant future.
On Friday we leave for Disneyworld....and this family could NOT be more excited.....
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