Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmother's House We Go

My marmy is getting married today!

Because Grandma Cherie can't make it (it's a very small ceremony and just my siblings and our significant others will be there)

we went to visit her for some last minute wedding girl talk.

You all know Grandma Cherie. So ladylike, pretty, and tidy. Here she is checking out mama's ring and dress. By the way, I am proud to say that I provided the wedding dress. I have had this gorgeous vintage ivory flutter sleeve cotton eyelet dress in my collection for years and I've never worn it. I was just waiting for the special occasion it deserved.

I guess this is it! Can't wait until later today when I get to see my lovely mama wearing it to marry her man. And Jack will be wearing a South American peasant style gauzy shirt he borrowed from Darin.

Grandpa Corry works so hard on their yard. It is like a park, with both flowers and vegetables planted in orderly rows. Cute little Delilah shows me the path...

to this darling chicken coop that Grandpa built!

Here he shows me the hatch where you can retrieve freshly laid eggs.

Grandpa designed this pretty little pond with goldfish and koi and a dainty bridge reminiscent of his boyhood in Holland.

and of course, the flowering dogwood, upon which it had snowed the day before!

Marmy showing me the gingko tree.

Grandma Cherie was so excited and proud to take mom and I out to lunch at TACO BELL.

I haven't been to a Taco Bell since 2002. Grandma just thinks it is so much fun.

She let us order first saying, "you girls order anything you want. My treat."

She is used to cooking a big elaborate lunch at home, so for her, fast food is a real treat and she sees it in a completely different way than most people because it is so rare to her.

We sat in Taco Bell for over an hour, looking over all mom's bridal shower gifts and cards and talking about marriage, men, and women. Grandma told me her six skin and make-up tricks she uses every morning. She is 80 years old and looking fresh-faced so I guess they're working!

or maybe it's this little cutie keeping her young. Grandma's entire day revolves around little Lilah and her needs and routines. Lilah gets a fresh cooked piece of bone with the fat trimmed off twice a day, and one before bed. It's called her "binky."

On the mantle, Grandma and Grandpa have a little dispaly of these Dutch village miniatures: dancers, ice skaters, windmills, shoemakers, treat kiosks. They've collected them on visits and as gifts from Corry's daughter in Holland.

We are picture people, as you can see! Camera nerds. Grandma still uses her old 35 mm that she's had for almost 30 years.

i'm proud to be the next generation of these cheerful, exuberant and loveable ladies!

and now i'm off to share the love this pretty May afternoon.

it's my niece Bella's birthday too, so there a lot of celebrating will be happening today.

Cheers!