My cousin Marti's wedding

Saturday, May 18:  I was super glad when my cousin, Marti, answered "Yes!" to whether I could bring Emma with me to her wedding. I picked Emma up at 1:00 and we traveled down to Romulus (southeast side of Detroit) for the wedding. 

 We made a lunch stop at Cracker Barrell. Emma had NEVER visited a Cracker Barrell in her life. Yikes! I KNEW she would love the country store and all the cool stuff you can look at before you ever enter the restaurant! PLUS, they have brain teasing games at the tables! Emma was pretty determined to get this crazy thing down to ONE before we left the place ... I think she did get it to TWO one time!

 We ordered off their Kids' menu and got the chicken and with broccoli on the side. I should have had Emma order the GRILLED chicken, but for some reason told her there was the option of FRIED. The grilled is much better! Rats. Anyway, we ate and we drank our yummy sweet tea, and we shopped too. We picked up a very cool feathered pen and small journal for Emma. Emma really likes journals. I love to shop with her so much.

 THankfully, we had a map program on my phone because there were all kinds of detours from here to Detroit. I would have been pathetically lost and NEVER EVER arrived had it not been for our dear "lady" telling us where to turn and when. We arrived with five ninutes to spare! 

Mother of the bride, my Aunt Jan, being escorted down the aisle.
My darling cousins, Annie and Suzie (using her phone camera).

And here is the bride! Marti was walked down to her groom
by her twin brother, my cousin Wayne.

 This is the room where the reception was held. Marti did all of the decorating. It was very impressive. The colors reminded me so much of my Grandma Mary.

 The cake was beautiful too. 

 There was a TON of candy, beautifully presented! I LOVE candy!

 And look at dear Emma in her pretty white dress. We picked it out two weeks ago over at Target. I was so thankful we were able to find a dress Emma liked. She looked completely beautiful in it too.

Marti did all of the decorating! There was a LOT of detail,
and the colors were beautiful.

 In between the wedding and the reception, Emma and I walked around and took pictures.

 I did not take many pictures, honestly! I was just so happy to be there ... to see my lovely cousins ... to introduce Emma to all of them ... to enjoy Marti's happiness.

 My cousin, Annie, invited Emma to come to her daughter's (Hope) wedding in late October in Wheaton, Illinois. We are SO excited! We will have so much fun.

My cousins were delighted to meet Emma!
And Emma was thrilled to meet them too!
L=Annie, Wayne, R=Mary

 My dear Aunt Jan did not know me! This is Suzi talking with her. Suzi doesn't give up easily. She just sat right down and visited with Aunt Jan anyway. I tried to, but our conversation started out with Aunt Janice asking: "How is it going taking care of your mother?" Well, that was awkward to say the least. So I told her that my mom was with Jesus for the past year. Aunt Jan looked shocked! She wanted to know why no one had told her! You see, she thought I was one of Aunt Jean's girls. I tried to remind her that I was Ruth's daughter, but the confusion remained. I was sad for her.

 Cutting the cake ...

 It was then time to toss the bouquet. Suzie grabbed Emma and said: "Come with me, child!" and away they went to try to catch the flowers! I didn't participate--because although I am single, I am eternally unavailable! Serious.

 Oh.my.word. Suzi! You completely crack me up.

 I'm not sure WHO caught the bouquet ... but it didn't matter to Emma or Suzie! 

What a nice memory this day is for me. To spend an entire day (almost) with Emma is always a special thing for me. My heart is especially happy when I am with her. It is a blessing to be your grandma, Emma.