Kerry becomes a bride

We celebrated the Independence of our nation in the town that boasts the greatest battle of the Civil War. Steve’s cousin was married in Gettysburg on Saturday amidst throes of re-enactors and passionate history lovers on the battlefields – not that they were married on the battlefield of course, but rather in a quaint Episcopal church in the center of town, just on the outskirts of the national park itself. Our drive was our first long trip with our cherub and my anxieties were affirmed when he began screaming after only an hour into our journey. I hiked up the hem on my dress and parked myself next to his car seat, a placement he didn’t seem to favor and continued with his lung exercises. We braved the tourists and Cutter’s battle cries and breathed a sigh of relief as we pulled into the parking lot a mere hour and a half later.

The car seems to be his nemesis as of late, and once inside my angel performed dutifully and slept through the entire ceremony, never even uttering a sigh.

A family wedding is not complete without the requisite family photo of grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins – first, second, and otherwise all crowded around the bride and groom. After some careful placement and readjusting of children on hips, pictures were snapped and we were on our way to the reception.
This was a venue we had experience with before, as Steve’s close college friend was married at the same country club four years ago. Steve’s brother and sister in-law traveled from Tennessee to attend the wedding and this was their introduction to Cutter. They had not seen him yet, and in fact the last time we had seen them was at Christmas. I looked decidedly different from then, I must admit. Most importantly, it was Cutter’s first time to meet his cousin – Kylie Nicole.
It was love at first sight, I tell you. Cutter showed his love the best way he knows how, by grabbing and holding on for dear life to Kylie’s beautiful hair. Bless that child, she is a saint.

During our meal Cutter took a catnap on Steve – a skill he refuses to exercise on me, ever – so I enjoyed my salmon as best I could (who serves salmon on a bed of onions!!) and cut up Steve’s steak for him so he could eat while holding our sleeping child.

Cutter enjoyed all of the interaction with family and friends, but it was coming up on his witching hour and in order to prevent a meltdown we hustled out to our hotel room just as the dance floor was opening. Yet another change as we have children now, no more busting our moves into the wee hours of the morning– sleep (for all parties) is much more important.

Another of us “outsiders” has joined the ranks of the Cronin family. Andy, we can talk anytime of what it’s like to be a part of this family. Love, love, love comes to mind. Congratulations, Kerry and Andy, we had a delightful evening celebrating with you.