Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Perfect driving weather. Bright, sunny, and completely clear. After a quick Garmin-induced detour, we got on 70 headed west toward the Rockies. Through the Flat Irons, by Red Rocks, and into the mountains. Zoey cajoled/threatened/practically forced me in to a brief stop in Georgetown for some big horned ram sight-seeing (we saw no sights) and a toe dip in a FREEZING mountain lake. 80s hits, M.I.A., Cash, and Floyd, among a few others kept us entertained, as did lots of stories and jokes. So great to have that much time to catch up.

3.5 hours or so later we arrived at the ski lodge where we’ll all stay, and where we’ll hold Saturday’s wedding ceremony. Laura and the gang stopped to pick up the keys, while the rest of us checked out the house/deck/yard. Before anything else: freezing cold Budweisers.* Helped calm a few early nerves about sharing the house/deck with another group (the house is built next to/on top of another much smaller place) and that the keys don’t work. Much ado about nothing.

Chris and Catherine (Laura’s brother and sister-in-law) arrived about 6 after the 13.5 hour trek from Scottsdale, AZ (according to Chris, a 4:01 am departure). Perfect timing, and everyone – especially their kids – was psyched to see them. In fact, shortly after their arrival, Helena was overheard saying, “this is the best day of my liiiiiife!”

With the house thoroughly inspected, rooms assigned, gazebo constructed, cars unpacked, food put away, etc, most of us found settled on the deck with a few beers and a perfect view of the sunset.

A few first impressions:

The setting is amazing. House set at the foot of a ski mountain, with the gondola practically running overhead. A panoramic view of Steamboat from the 2,300 sq foot deck at the front of the house. Perfect setting for the weekend’s BBQs, kids' games, hot tubbings, and wedding ceremonies.

The pine and blond wood are classic ski lodge stuff. Inside, the house is amazingly well stocked with everything we’ll need this weekend.

Several rooms down stairs and a master suite (ours, logically) upstairs. Flat screens, bathrooms, comfy beds, etc in all. Bunk beds for the girls, a first for both.

The upstairs is the stuff of glossy real estate marketing materials. Floor to ceiling windows, open floor plan and a state-of-the-art kitchen that opens to the dining room and two living rooms. Comfortable, gorgeous, and just what we wanted.

Zoey (with some small assistance from me and Laura) put together a very simple, tasty dinner. Carrots and fruit (both left over from last week’s party), frozen pizzas (two of which were enhanced with sautéed and roasted peppers), and assorted chips/etc. Devoured by all at two metal tables pushed together; make-shift and perfect.

Ended the night on the couch watching the last few minutes of Game 7 between the Lakers and Celtics. Despite a pro-Boston (the lesser of two hated evils) tilt, the crowd went off to bed very, very content.

* Brilliant move by Ron to ice them on the drive up.

The wedding whirlwind has reached full tilt.** The early part of the day today spent planning, shopping, and stressing out (at least some of us). In general, quite a bit of stuff to do, lots of people willing and able to help, and everyone really happy to be together for the event. In spite of it all, we couldn’t help feeling frustrated/irritated/frayed/tired. A brief (and random) description of the day’s activities:

Zoey, Catherine, Johann, others out for walks/exercise in the morning. Weather absolutely gorgeous and (again) the scenery incredible. Perfect for the sporty among us.

Mary and Johann to the grocery store later in the am, with a huge list of fresh stuff to get for the weekend’s eats.

Laura and Mary to the hair salon for a dry run. Dudes (Ron, John, Chris, Me) and Zoey watching World Cup. Kids running around, playing with the various nerf balls, games, etc., brought up to keep them occupied.

Laura and I sent to the grocery store, for buns, sausages, and a few other things for the evening’s BBQ. On our way there, we stopped to watch part of the Mustang rally going on just down the hill from our house. Amazing sights and sounds, and totally out of place in Steamboat.

Quick stop at Rox and Darren’s house, for a bit of visiting. Rox feeding/tending to Banks. Met Alison, Laura’s old old friend and the wedding day photog. She rules, as expected.

One more trip to the store, this time for nails and paper plates. The deck, though expansive and perfect for the weekend, is a bit old. Nails thought necessary to secure a few loose boards. We decided on Wal-Mart on account of the odd list of items. Laura not happy with the choice: “I can’t believe I’m compromising my principles for two [bleeping] nails! This is bullsh*t.” [Ed. note: Though I said long ago I would stop sanitizing Josh's posts, I reserve the right to censor bad words when I said them in the first place.] Nails not needed after all; Ron managed to fix deck without them. Too late to avoid Wal-Mart.

Somewhat embarrassingly, we spent a good part of the day planning the ceremony itself. We had high hopes for taking care of things earlier, and being much more creative about the event, the vows, etc. but simply ran out of time. A little stressful, a lot last minute, exciting for the most part.

Matt, Julie, Parker, Chauncey and Grant arrived in the car from Albuquerque about 6, just in time for some hellos and a few beers on the deck. Thrilled to have them all in town and willing to trek to Steamboat for the occasion.

Scott showed up a bit later, prob about 7, especially thirsty after a long drive from Boulder. Also so cool to have him be a part of all the action this weekend and to be able to meet our families and especially Rox and Darren.

Grant, a former chef, took care of most of the BBQ prep and cooking, for which we are were super grateful. Burgers, dogs, brats, potato salad, and more, all washed down with beer/wine/diet cokes. Stayed up late with Scott, (and for some of the time) Laura and Hannah. The closest I came to a bachelor party, and a perfect way to close out a beautiful day.

** As you probably understand, posts this weekend will be less involved than at other points throughout trip. Energy focused in other areas.

In an effort to get as many details down as quickly as possible, what follows is a time-driven blow-by-blow of the wedding day. Even one day later, many of the little things are hard to remember. Things moved so fast, and that all of our energy was focused on the emotion of the moment makes full/accurate accounting a little more difficult. Anyway, here’s a shot:

7:34 am - The day started very, very early (esp in light of the late finish to last night) with work on the ceremony, etc. Though we made good progress yesterday, still questions/issues to deal with (e.g., what, if any, music we’d play while we walk in; where to place candles; and so forth). Not really the preferred wake-up routine.

9:19 – Matt back from a run/hike up the mountain. Reports good conditions and thin air, but nothing too strenuous. The weather is incredible. Not a cloud in the sky, no humidity, and a very bright sun. Couldn’t ask for more.

10:38 – Wedding set for 3:00 pm. LVL’s hair appt moved from 11:00 to 1:00 pm.

11:02 – Round most of the group (Matt, Julie, Chauncey, Chris, Catherine decide to do other things) for a trip to the Gondola. After getting a bit lost, we arrived at One Steamboat Square to find the annual Steamboat Children’s Carnival in full swing. Kids rides, games, food, and half priced Gondo tickets for the day. It’s all coming up Choyd today. Great timing.

11:17 – Sun is beating down, no shade in sight. Grant and I wander off to find hats. Twin domes at risk of getting burned. While we’re on the subject of minor maladies, the air in Steamboat is thin and really dry. I’m constantly thirsty and went through the weekend feeling somewhat more tired than usual and a teensy bit headachy.

11:28 – Hannah takes her seat in the Gyro ride, prepared to get spun to oblivion. Alas, Helena too short to join her. Six photogs/videogs in place to document the ride in its entirety. Hannah all smiles; kid next to her, not so much. “I feel siiick,” he kept saying. No vomit, no foul, I guess. Pictures with Shrek, a favorite among wedding attendees under age 11.

11:47 – Chanins and Lloyds board the Gondola. LVL and I with Alison in our own car. (Casual) picture time is upon us.* Good thing Alison is so funny and charming and good at her job, or pics might have added to the day’s stress.

11:56 – Arrival at the top of the mountain. Short sight-seeing routine and then on to more pics. Several different spots/poses/etc. E.g, of the instruction: “Laura, grab his hand and do something joyful.” Again, great that she had so much energy, seemed to be enjoying herself so much, and was willing to sing to keep us laughing. Lots of fun.

1:43 – Back home, for a bit of down time/entrance music contemplation. Under consideration, somewhat jokily: Wolf Parade’s “I’ll Believe in Anything,” Built to Spill’s “The Plan,” and Rock Plaza Central’s “Be Joyful.” As of yet, not enough thinking gone into this part of the process. Tried for a nap, but too much going on. Moms both working away, more World Cup, and lots of kids, to say nothing of my racing mind.

2:17 – Wedding time moved from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. LVL’s hair appt already moved from 1:00 to 2:30 pm.

2:22 - Laura, Mary, and Hannah to the salon to get their wedding ‘dos done. Alison joins to photo doc the event.

2:44 – First discussion with my mom about the “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue” tradition. Despite all of our protestations and overt choices made to avoid the traditional wedding stuff, it is really hard to escape. Clearly, these things (e.g., cake cutting, wedding napkins, garter, etc.) hold importance. Almost without exception, they end up happening and we end up enjoying them.

3:30 – LVL returns from hair appt (looking great) and talks me in to going over to Rox and Darren’s to have a beer and get ready. A welcome idea, not just because it provides us time/means to hang out, but because it removes us from what is now fever pitch wedding prep. A sample of the goings on: Ron/Zoey cooking; Mary/Johann/Julie/Chauncy/Chris/Catherine/others doing misc. set-up, including putting flowers in vases; arranging candles/deck furniture/kitchen; and on and on. Very grateful for everyone’s help; clearly this was a team effort.

3:31 – LVL gives Hannah flower girl details and ring bearer instructions to pass along to Helena and Parker.

3:32 – Entrance song chosen: DeVotchka’s “Queen of the Surface Streets.”

3:35 – LVL, Scott, Alison, and pack our wedding gear and head to Rox/Darren’s, down the mountain about 3 mins away by car. Kick it for 45-60 mins, enjoying Longboard Island Lager (chosen special for those of us from Hawaii). LVL ironing, Rox feeding baby, Alison chilling, Scott, D, and me sitting at the kitchen bar. Rox re-writing the text of the ceremony, in ways only a poet could.**

4:20 – Yooooooo. Wedding time moved from 5 to 6.

4:48 – Head down stairs to get ready. Expensive Euro suit a little tighter than when tailored. Wonder why. Out to garage to scuff up bottom of new and very slippery Euro shoes.

5:33 – Wedding time moved from 6 to 6:30. Trying to decide whether to wear solid blue tie or blue tie with pink polka dots. Decision made for me: Ties left in bathroom, next to sink. Scott goes in, pink tie gets water on it. Solid blue tie is the choice.

5:49 – Alison has LVL and I stage the moment when we “first” see each other all dressed up. Me positioned on the mini-deck in front of the house, LVL “surprises” me as she walks through the front door. She looks absolutely stunning. So beautiful.

6:08 – Scott, LVL, and I pile in to Alison’s rental car (Rox/Darren/Banks drive separately) and head over to the deck house. I feel nervous for the first time all day. Not nervous about being married/getting cold feet/etc, just want the ceremony to be perfect.

6:15 – Everyone told to head out to deck and get ready. LVL and I are sequestered in Chris/Catherine/Girls’ downstairs room, waiting for music to start. Nerves turn to excitement. I begin jangling the two metal hearts given to us by my mom (something new) and her grandmother’s wedding ring (something borrowed). So great to have a moment to ourselves to enjoy what is about to happen. Wow.

6:23 – Song starts. Rox heads out first, followed shortly thereafter by H/H/P. Hannah holding H and P's hands, Helena and Parker holding our rings.

6:24 – We slowly walk upstairs and head out to deck. I see the big signs created for us by Hannah and Helena and hung on the banisters and windows. “Josh + Laura” and “Happy Wedding.” Very cool, and a great way to start the ceremony. Perfect song choice. Head straight for Rox, positioned toward the center of the deck, with H/H/P immediately to her right. Steamboat in our view, family behind us. Make eye contact with my parents, smiling hugely. A great moment, not to be forgotten.

Some quick snap memories:

The brightness of the sun as we walked out of the house onto the deck.

My heart skipping a beat upon first seeing Roxanne and looking at the crowd.

Parker yelling “Ant” toward the beginning of the ceremony. Huge laughs.

Candle experiment a failure. A great idea, but too windy.

Loved watching my mom and dad hug everyone after putting on the leis.

Lots of crying (mostly from Rox and LVL), tons of huge smiles. I couldn’t stop staring at LVL. She was so perfectly beautiful.

The Neruda poem chokes me up. A brilliant choice.

Over in 15 mins or so. Short and very, very sweet. The perfect event.

OK. That’s all from me on the ceremony itself. Rather than try to describe the ceremony or dinner and further, we’ve asked a few family members to send on their thoughts. We think it will give a good sense of what it was like and will allow us to include other impressions into our memories of what was an incredible moment.

Johann Chanin

THE PLACE
A beautiful setting…………a glowing bride and groom……immediate family and best friends………. perfect weather, warm (80s during the day) and sunny.………a recipe for a magnificent wedding, a life-time commitment in a place so beautiful that it brings tears to your eyes. With boundless joy and love surrounding them, at 6:30 p.m. , Laura and Josh exchanged promises and rings on the deck of a house in Steamboat Springs with the dauntingly beautiful Rocky Mountains as the backdrop. The ceremony was officiated by Roxanne Malia, Laura’s dearest friend, who was there with her husband, Darren and 6 wk. old baby, Banks. Allison, Laura’s friend from childhood, owns a photography business in Arkansas, and flew in to be the official wedding photographer.

WHO WAS THERE
Nineteen of us witnessed the ceremony. We had flown or driven from all over the country……….
Laura’s family: parents, Ron and Mary Lloyd, Denver; brother, Chris, wife, Catherine, daughters, Hannah (age 11) and Helena (age 6), Phoenix;
Josh’s family: parents, John and Johann, Alexandria, VA; sister, Zoey, Seattle; brother, Matt, wife, Julie, daughter, Parker (age 2), Albuquerque; brother, Grant, wife, Chauncy, Albuquerque; long-time good friend, Scott Standley, Washington, DC.

Josh and Laura rented the “wedding” house with a spacious deck for the ceremony and large enough to house family and friends through the wedding weekend. It could not have been better. The setting and the atmosphere were informal, full of fun and laughter; we shared responsibilities of food preparation, cleanup, cheering teams during the World Cup and keeping 2 year old Parker safe and occupied. It was a time for mini-family reunions and for two family groups to get to know and enjoy each other.

WEDDING DAY
Some of us started the day with a ride on an area ski gondolas to a mountain top. The purpose was for Josh, Laura and Allison to record the day with a photo shoot in a gorgeous setting but those of us who went up were able to witness the magnificence of the Rockies from atop.

We spent the afternoon getting dressed, preparing for the ceremony…buying and arranging flowers and candles, and doing advanced preparation for the wedding dinner. Grant agreed to be chef with Chauncy as his sous-chef……..his experience as a professional chef certainly paid off. Zoey played with the girls and helped with overall preparation, adding her own creative cooking talents. Chris and Catherine did last minute shopping. Matt and Julie kept track of the very active Parker and side-tracked her for a nap so she wasn’t cranky during the ceremony. Ron and Mary, John and I had our fingers in the preparation and got ready to be forever united through our children. Scott, a college friend, was a calm and steadying force.

THE CEREMONY
Finally it was time. Picture this: A table with a white tablecloth, white candles and leis for the bride and groom. The families and friends were gathered in a semicircle facing the table. Then Roxanne walked up the stairs to face the families. She was followed by girls, Helena and Parker each holding one of Hannah’s hands and each carrying a ring box. We didn’t know if Parker would follow the ‘script’ but she did………she was right in step with Hannah and Helena who had been her preferred playmate. Then, the big moment: Josh and Laura walked up the steps and across the deck to Roxanne who was waiting with the ceremony script (written by Josh and Laura and edited by Roxanne). Allison was ready with her keen, artist’s eye and impressive camera. Josh, handsome in his beautiful grey suit and Laura, gorgeous in a dark cerulean blue dress, were radiant and confident as they exchanged vows. Some of us shed tears of joy…….both sets of parents, Zoey, witnessing her brother’s pure joy, Roxanne, during a poem she read during the exchange of vows and Hannah, as she watched her beloved aunt marry the love of her life. The parents were part of the ceremony: John and I gave leis to Josh and Laura; Ron and Mary received the ring boxes from Parker and Helena and held onto them until the right moment in the ceremony.

Roxanne pronounced Josh and Laura husband and wife. As they smiled at each other, they were surrounded by a magnificent glow, an aura of happiness and love with the grandeur of the Rocky Mountains as the backdrop. I have never seen Josh so happy.

Champagne followed the ceremony and toasts by both fathers…………each saying that they knew at a finite point that their child had found the ideal mate. Such an emotional time for parents but tempered by humor and two year old Parker who no longer could stand still. Parker and Helena twirled and danced……….and Laura joined in. We took off our unfamiliar high heel shoes, suit jackets, ties and got down to celebrating with beer, wine, dinner and lots of laughter and hugs all around.

We finally said goodnight. Sunday and Monday, we all headed back home and Josh and Laura continued on the Wedding Road Trip, now as husband and wife. What a glorious beginning for them and for all of us who were there.

THE FUTURE
We enjoyed each other and joyously celebrated Josh and Laura’s marriage. The Lloyds and the Chanins are forever united. Mary suggested we have an annual gathering like this weekend in Steamboat to celebrate Josh and Laura’s wedding………we all agreed!

John Chanin

In a sort of stream of consciousness... the setting was magnificent with the Rockies as a back drop and a reflection of such a momentous day. The bride and groom could not have been more striking ..it wasn't just the "fabulous" attire, but it really was a glow from a sense of inner joy that was obvious to all...your smiles and devotion to each other were touching...the words that Roxanne spoke to capture the moment were so reflective of all of our wishes for the two of you..and Roxanne's position as religious icon was solidified when after a child's sneeze, she blessed the sneeze-or adding her official imprimatur with an "I can do that"...[you know]...as parents we couldn't have been more joyful...and for Mom and me the fact that on the Chanin side of the attendees was together for the first time in quite a while made it all the more special, this of course, included the irrepressible Parker who was captured and distracted by Hurricane Helena ( with admirable assistance from the wondrously mature Hannah)...both of whom were remarkably attentive and playful....there are so many other observations that come to mind...the pleasure that Grant and Chauncey took in handling the grill, the sheer, utter happiness of Josh's Seattle sib Zoey...Matt and Julie's joy in seeing your joy and Scott's "best-friend" prideful smile and infectious laugh...Laura's brother who entertained all of us with his encyclopedic sports knowledge as well as his ability to still throw a perfect spiral with a nerf-like football ( an art form also aptly demonstrated by that All -American Dad...Ron)....and of course Mary's infectious laugh and Ron's quiet filled-with-pride smile every time he looked at how happy his daughter was...but my most lasting impression was of you two...a wonderful, devoted and truly happy pair...who made all of us see all that is good around us, at the moment because of your sheer happiness at the official start of your lives together.

Zoey Chanin

Everything about the day was so go with the flow and real and flexible; a gathering to celebrate Josh and Laura, together. Life mimicking life and it was a perfect flexible start to a marriage. Just writing this makes my soul sing as I reflect back on the day. The whole wedding and the hours before and after were relaxed and fun and happy. The way a beautiful celebration in the mountains should be. The atmosphere gave time for many people to go on a gondola ride through the mountains and others time to go to the farmer’s market and see the mustang show in downtown Steamboat. The time of the wedding changed a few times throughout the day and the beauty of this intimate wedding was that no one was inconvenienced…we napped or read books or watched soccer or did food prep for the barbecue. I did my best to capture as much of the prep as I could with Josh’s camera. (LOVE the FSTOP) By 6:45, everyone including Josh, Laura, Scott, Roxanne, Darren and Allison were ready. We all filed outside and found our places on the deck to wait for the bride and groom.

I was wearing a new pair of high heels (that I’m definitely not used to wearing) and managed to find a hole in the deck just big enough for my heel to fall into just as the ceremony was starting. Then just after I recovered from the first hole, I found one that mine as well have been a crater and I fell into that one too. But, no matter, Queen of the Surface Streets was playing and Josh and Laura were filing in behind Scott and Roxanne and Parker and Helena. I love the song and it was a perfect choice for Josh and Laura’s wedding. The sun was shining and the energy of the whole crowd was one of so much joy and love. It was emotional and beautiful and real. I was very touched to see my parents give leis to Josh and Laura and Hannah.

Josh and Laura wanted all of us to light candles but it was too windy so the candles were set aside.

The wind blew a vase of flowers over onto the marriage license before the ceremony soaking it. Good thing I took a picture before that happened! I gingerly told Josh and Laura about it after the wedding and they were totally ok with it.

For me, the way the day transpired is a reflection that the wedding was not about the wedding, it was about Josh and Laura celebrating their love and their joy with their families. And what a gift. What a gift that we were all about to truly share that with them and all be together! The wedding day was life through Josh and Laura’s eyes and it was lovely.

Thank you to both of you.

Mary Lloyd

The Wedding of cheers and tears: The wedding of Laura Lloyd and Josh Chanin was one of happiness, cheer and tears. Along with the tears of the parents of each (which is expected) we had the officiator of the ceremony, the photographer, the happy couple, the oldest niece of the couple and many others in attendance in tears. They were truly all tears of joy as we all love Laura and Josh as they love each other. I hope each teardrop brings a rainbow of happiness for Laura and Josh as they travel through the years ahead. I wish them a pot of gold and joy at the end of each rainbow. June 19th was truly their day of cheer and tears.

Ron Lloyd

John and I agreed: the wedding couldn’t have gone much better. Little wrinkles, of course, but nothing really significant. Your Mom talked about the tears. I always thought that I would walk you down the aisle, bawling my eyes out all the way. Because I didn’t have to do that, I thought I was safe, even though I have come to realize that is just me and it’s really OK. Even as I started the toast, I didn’t ever think about crying and then, of course, it caught up with me. I didn’t get the story quite right in the midst of the emotions, but I guess everyone got the point. You have done well in finding a life partner, both of you. You are very well suited to each other.

I will talk about the smiles and laughter that were ever-present those days in Steamboat. As I uploaded photos to Facebook, I really relived the fun. It was a great time for all. From the sparkling little ones to us geezers, it was amazing.

A father’s best wishes for a long and happy marriage.

Chris Lloyd

Thanks to Laura and Josh for letting us all be a party to their fantastic union. I don't think that any of us could have imagined a better combination of locale, climate, and attendees. It was such as pleasure to finally meet Josh's family and get to spend time with my own. We love the two of you immensely and are so grateful that Hannah and Helena could be part of your ceremony. I'd like to finally officially welcome "Uncle Joshie" to this side of the family and look forward to sharing many years of good times with the newlyweds and the entire Chanin crew. Simply couldn't have been happier to see my beautiful baby sister wed to such a good man.

We love you both.

C,C,H, and H

[Ed. note: Thanks to all of you for your reflections on the day. And now back to Josh….]

We’re married! We’re fucking married. It feels great. We can’t stop looking at our rings. Can’t stop smiling. Or laughing. Or drinking Champagne. Immediately after the ceremony, Ron and my dad gave toasts. Both really great. Ron’s short and emotional, my dad’s long and eloquent. The sentiment from each very very much appreciated. Both meant so much. I don’t think I’ve ever seen either of my parents as overjoyed as they were that night. An incredible feeling. It’s hard to describe the emotion of it all.

Alison took several posed pictures before dinner was served. Groups, pairs, individuals. Everyone looked so happy, and really great. Some wearing suits and fancy dresses, others wearing shorts, t-shirts, and slippers. The ideal mix.

Once again, Chef Grant and Chauncey the Whip Cracker are back at the grill. Can’t thank them enough for jumping in and doing it. The steaks, salmon, twice-baked potatoes, salad (Zoey), Israeli couscous (Ron), rolls, all done to perfection. The serve-yourself, family style meal the only way to go.

Odd aside: my ring looks great, yet feels really tight. LVL’s too.*** My mom complains of the same. Apparently, in the altitude (as a fxn of dehydration), you retain water and bloat a bit, which explains the fat fingers/tight ring.

Not much energy to stay up late, especially after such a big meal and a huge slice of carrot cake.**** After everyone moved inside (and some to bed), we stayed up until 11:30 or so and then hit the sack. A quiet end to a magical evening. I couldn’t have imagined a better way for it all to go down. The thought of having LVL as my lifelong partner is something I’ll never get tired of. Feel so lucky. [Ed. note: Ditto, Honay. Di-i-i-tto.]

*For me: three days of beard shadow, jeans, short sleeves, sunglasses, and my new hat, a funny touch in light of fact that I haven’t worn a baseball-style hat in probably 5 years.

** The original script was the product of some nimble Googling, fancy Find and Replace work (insert Josh and Laura in place of “bride” and “groom”), and a bit of last-minute writing to make it our own. Too much going on, too little time to write our own vows, let alone the complete text of the ceremony. Good thing Rox is such a talent.

*** The black ink used to mark the fingerprints on the inside of our rings (hers on my ring, mine on hers) is leaving black marks on our fingers. Hopefully that stops at some point soon.

**** Huge thanks to Rox and Alison for picking up the cakes, among so many other things. I wish there was more time/space/energy to post the full list of thank-yous. To all involved: Huge, huge thanks. It couldn’t have happened – and wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun – without all of you.

Father’s Day! Because the ABQ Crew was headed back in the am, we all got up pretty early to celebrate the dad’s. Lots of cards, coffee, and laughs. Said goodbyes shortly thereafter and then began packing up. My parents and Zoey leaving for Denver in early-afternoon, and we wanted to have them take some stuff back to DC for us.

Despite the packing and running around, the morning was really relaxing. Nice to have downtime, with little to think about or do. Though we kept the wedding small for a reason and tried for “off beat,”** and casual, the wedding day was quite stressful. In fact, so were the several says leading up to it. A slow morning was a necessary way to start our first full day of married life.

Brazil-Ivory Coast game on, mostly everyone glued. I think everyone needs a break, and the tube provides a useful outlet for some private time in public. My parents and Zoey head out about 1:30 or so. On one hand, very sorry to see them leave; they have all been hugely important to the weekend. On the other hand, their being gone is a reminder that traveling mostly alone together for the next seven weeks. Very much looking forward to that.

After the soccer game, Chris, Scott, Laura and I play beanbag bocce in the front yard. Chris/Scott defeat the Choyds in Game 1; Chanin/Standley blow out the Lloyds in Game 2. No energy for a third; set turned over to Catherine, Laura, and the girls. Apparently, they made it through half a game. Allison takes half an hour or so to give me some tips with my camera/new lens. Very helpful, and probably something I should have done a long time ago. Pics already better.

Head to The Boathouse, a pub right on the Yampa river, with a great patio and a big deck. Our table on the patio basically ten feet from the river. Food pretty good: LVL’s chilled watermelon soup nothing if not interesting; my smoked duck sandwich tasty; Scott’s grilled grouper good. Despite being really tired and pretty quiet, everyone seems really happy to be together. A few games of “War” and “Bubble Gum Bubble Gum” to close out the meal.

A very chill end to the night with Scott and LVL. A beer or two on the deck, all bundled up. It’s amazing how quickly the temps drop as soon as the sun goes down. Bad news from Allison via the iPhone: while taking pics next to a creek with Rox and Darren and Banks, the baby’s stroller (packed with diaper bag, wallets, etc) rolled into the water. Nobody could stop it and it all floated away. Feel so bad for all involved.

Went to bed thinking about marriage, slightly overwhelmed by the profundity of the past 24 hours. As someone who may have doubted the necessity of marriage, and didn’t ever really buy in to the trappings of it all, I realized throughout the process how important it was to so many people, including LVL and me. I wouldn’t change anything about our experience. The thought of spending the rest of my life with her gives me chills.

** Two or three days ago, Laura found (caught?) reading a website called “The Offbeat Bride,” a fact that has made me laugh ever since.

10 am check out had everyone up and at it early (though not quite as early as Chris/Catherine, who left for AZ at 5:30 or so). Lots of packing to do, especially in the kitchen. Ron and Mary do most of the heavy lifting, for which we are extremely thankful. With cars packed, place empty, we say our goodbyes to LVL’s parents and Hannah and Helena. Will miss them all.

To Rox and Darren’s place for a quick goodbye. Stroller-in-the-river accident recovery continues, though smiles and jokes have started. Understandably, Allison is still upset. I think I feel worse for her today than I did after hearing yesterday that she knocked the stroller into the water. Hopefully in a few weeks everyone will be able to laugh about it. Thrilled that all three were able to hang out this weekend. Also said goodbye to Stand, who had to run to the airport for a mid-afternoon flight. Thrilled he was able to make it. Such a good friend.

Stopped at Freshies for brunch. Good food, hippie-mountainy waitress, and lots of other funny people-watching. Including ours, five (five!) car-top carriers in the smallish parking lot. Extreme.