Cleveland Rocks!

This past weekend we took off for a romantic weekend away in Cleveland! Well, I don't know quite how romantic Cleveland is, but it sure was nice to get away! We traveled with Ernie, Kim, and D.J. to Cleveland for our dear friends James & Lindsay's wedding!

James and Mark have grown up together. They went to Denver Christian, played baseball and football together, and they both went to Calvin too, playing baseball there as well. Since we have been married we have hung out with James and their whole high school group back here in Denver. James has led us in a Bible study and we have watched his relationship with God and Lindsay grow. He is now a pastor and a husband! These guys have done life together. And it was our honor to be able to celebrate his wedding with him!

And it was a good excuse to catch up with old friends...

Still lookin' young and handsome after all these years...a few of the boys at an Irish pub on Friday night. A fun dinner with friends before the wedding the next day! We had good beer & wine, AWESOME fish & chips, AND...

Car Bombs of course!

Mr. and Mrs. James Cottier!!!

The wedding was Saturday morning and Lindsay was stunning!

They got married in a beautiful old stone chapel.

Every little detail of the wedding and brunch reception was just perfect- beautiful, classy, and fall!

Life long friends- they had a blast being together all weekend, laughing, joking, drinking, chatting about old times, and causing a little mischief...

and the result of their fun was for all to see on the get-away car!

Our whole Denver Christian/Calvin crew! Mark and I, Kim and Ernie, James and Lindsay, Nate, Mandy and Rick, and D.J.! All of us girls who have been lucky enough to marry into this group of guys could not be happier to be surrounded by men who value friendship, love God, and are so F-U-N!

I love this rare picture of just Mark and I! It was so nice to get away together for the weekend!

After the wedding we all went out for a famous overstuffed "Cleveland Sandwich" at Panini's. Pastrami, provolone cheese, coleslaw, french fries, tomatoes, & mayo on french bread- Yum!

It rained and snowed the whole weekend! We haven't had so much as a flake here in Denver yet this year, so it was pretty, but not ideal weather for a wedding!

So we were happy to return to our mild weather at home...and happy to return to these two cute boys!

We were all exhausted from busy weekends away so we cuddled up on the couch to watch a movie and snuggle under a blanket together!

Weekends away are a wonderful way to reconnect with your spouse but they also help you have a fresh outlook on your children! It was so great to see Heath's huge smile as I walked through the door and to have Nolan nuzzle in for a hug when I woke him up from his nap! Things I take for granted from day to day.

So thank you Oma & Opa and Cara & Wes for helping out with the kids for the weekend! They loved being with you!

And congratulations to James & Lindsay...we could not be happier for you! We love you both and look forward to celebrating your new married life together when you are back from Cabo!