Here we are at the end of the day.  That's our entire family.  Patrick, Kate, Peter Kevin, Emily, Jim, Me, Elanor, Daniel, Anna Marie, Maggie and my brother Rick.

These are the people I hold dearest in the world all in one place.

But, let's start at the beginning.

Thursday, I went to the doctor because I had several bites on my upper left arm.  It turns out I was having an allergic reaction to the bites and the skin blistered.  The bites developed into cellulitis and I had a red, inflamed arm.  I was given an antibiotic, and directions to come back on Saturday morning to make sure it was working.

Friday I suffered the diaharrea that often comes with antibiotics and felt yucky.  We ran our errands and I sat around most of the day.  Saturday I could notice that things looked better and the dr confirmed it.  Phew.  (although I still have 10 days of antibiotics to get through).  It itches and is still pink and slightly warm but much better.

We drove the back way to Sea Isle City and thoroughly enjoyed the drive.  El and I packed jeans and sweaters because it was a breezy day and the temps didn't get over 70 F.  We got there in time for me to help Em finish getting dressed but she really didn't need help.  She and her girls had everything under control so we focused on staying out of the way.

Em looked beautiful.  Here she is walking down the "aisle" with Peter Kevin.  He looks so proud and happy (and handsome in his shirt!).

There was another wedding at the same spot on the same beach at just a few minutes before we were scheduled to start.  They were much more formal with women in heels and men in suits.  We were in bare feet and no one had on a suit.

The ceremony was perfectly Em and Jim.  They wrote their own vows and I think they got it just right. 

The wedding party switching roles.  The girls took the guys' sunglasses and gave up their shawls and flowers. 

There were many many photos taken and Em smiled through them all.  I think she was truly happy (and what else could I ask for?)

The group made their way back to the house (2 blocks up the street) for a meal of delicious barbecue foods.  The tables had sea shells and candles and looked festive and fancy.  Em and her girls did a great job of decorating.

And here's the happy Bride and Groom.  My brother told me it was one of the best weddings he had ever been to.  The ceremony was not stiff and formal but casual and personal and suited to the people involved.  Everyone seemed to have a good time. 

We hung around for a bit and headed home about 7:30.  We got in the door around 9 and went to bed about an hour later.  Today I feel like someone beat me up and I really didn't do anything yesterday.  It's a good thing we had today to just loaf around. 

Pk watched a soccer game and I found Dr Who's seventh season on the On Demand part of the cable and watched two episodes.  I'm rationing them.  Pk and I are going to check out Broadchurch since it seems to be well regarded.  I just don't want to get into the habit of sitting in front of the television.  There are so many more interesting things to do.

Tomorrow we'll go back to work and I'll share the photos and life will fall back into what passes for normal around here until next year when Kate and Patrick start planning their wedding.

Elanor is turning 30 this week so we'll be taking her out to celebrate.  I don't know how she can be that old, I don't feel old enough to have a child that age!

I'll end this in the best way I know how,

And the all lived Happily Ever After.........