Pre-Wedding and Thanksgiving family time

Yes, Noah and Katie's Wedding finally happened!!! We spent a GREAT 6 days up in Wheaton for Thanksgiving and the wedding. What a special time to all be in the same house for those days and to get to meet the new twin nieces (only 2 months old) - even with so much happening we did get quality time together.

Doesn't the soon-to-be-married couple look excited?! This was taken the day before Thanksgiving and three days before the wedding, which was also Noah's Birthday!

Aunt Katie holding Bella (Isabella). This was taken right after our Gieser Family and Friends Holiday Run (Thanksgiving Day at 8 AM). Sorry no photos of that cold morning run/walk. Got to be prepared for the Thanksgiving meal.

The new dad with Avery (you can see that she has a bit more hair than Bella, but is a bit smaller). What sweeties! They were so cooperative and happy every day, their first big trip away from home. The new mom and and dad were pretty amazing, too.

The son in-law (almost) teaching his father in-law how to tie a bow tie, which is what all the men in the bridal party wore at the wedding, and which Noah is quite 'famous' for wearing (preferring over ties). Patience, Dad. It takes years to perfect!

And here are some shots from the Friday work day at the church (sanctuary and reception hall), setting up for the wedding. Auntie Pat and her daughter Susie (on the left) created beautiful and amazing decorations using grapevines, tulle, ribbon, fresh flowers and greenery.

Uncle John and Uncle Chuck (yes there is an Uncle Chuck on both sides of the family, and both have cool eyebrows) worked tirelessly! Here they are about to drape some muslin in the reception hall.

And cousin Ellen did a superb, meticulous job setting out the place cards (escort cards), which were attached to the favor, a Cookie Cookbook with 60+ family cookie recipes.

Go, Mom! The decorations are done. Now for a final vacuum job. Then quick off to change before the rehearsal dinner.

No job is complete without duct tape (I guess). Although I'm not sure where he used it. Doesn't that doorway look nice! One day to go, Katie!