through her eyes

My little brother got married yesterday. It was a busy day full of sunshine and happiness and family and all that good stuff. But being the mom of four, I was slightly overwhelmed. It was hard to get them all dressed up all nice and get them ready on time for pictures. It was hard to work everything around baby Porter's feeding schedule. But what was hardest was keeping tabs on Caleb.
We were constantly loosing the monster and we were constantly finding him doing really embarrassing things, like running through (and drinking from) a neighbor's sprinklers, taking pictures with some stranger's camera, tormenting a cat, tackling other children, and stealing bubbles to blow on the bride and groom from some elderly lady.
While I was thus occupied, Hailey enjoyed the fairy tale in her mind as she imagined life as a bride. She carried my camera around, snapping away all night, and when I got a chance to look at them this morning, I couldn't help but smile at her detailed eye. I am glad she really captured the day. Because all I would have remembered was chasing after Caleb as he ran way from me, laughing hysterically and shedding random articles of clothing and flinging them at people's feet.
Yes, it was THAT fun.

Here are her highlights:
This was just lovely to Hailey; first, because it was pink. And second it was scrapbooking on an extra large scale. Visual Heaven on earth for her.

Hailey couldn't get enough of the whole floating candle concept. I think she just might become a candle maker because of it. it should fit well with the pyromaniac inside of her.

This table was an utterly beautiful sight to her. This sealed the whole "weddings are the greatest thing on earth" deal for her. You get to wear a pretty white dress, be the center of attention, decorate with flowers, eat cake, dance with a handsome boy, AND you get piles of PRESENTS?! Life does not get much better in the eyes of a little princess.

I love this pic of my dad and Porter, his 19th grandchild. My parents will be leaving soon for South Africa to serve a mission and they will miss Porter's babyhood. So this picture got me right in the heart. (yes, I do have one).
This wedding was the highlight of Hailey's young life. Mainly because she saw for the first time what was in store for her one day. As she lay in bed that night, she started talking about her wedding day and wondering how soon she could get married. I explained to her, that she has to be an adult and has to find a good man that she wants to kiss on the lips and be with FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER.

That scared her off the idea really well.