Celebrating Adam and Nicole

The time had come for my dear cousin, Nicole, to wed her prince and ride off into the sunset. Nearly ten years ago, Nicole shared in my wedding day and now Caleb and I would share in hers. What an honor! The weekend was nonstop activity. With the much appreciated help from Grandma and Papa, we made it through the stressful moments and had great fun making memories through it all! We finished packing for our trip within our trip and set out to meet Papa in Saginaw where he had spoke at a youth conference that morning. One happy meal later, we were back on the road. We reached Mt. Pleasant late afternoon with just enough time for everyone to enjoy a nap, everyone that is except Caleb! So after a day in the car and no nap, we got ready and made our way to rehearsal! It was wonderful to see Nicole so in love and ready to be Mrs. Barragatto! Caleb was superb and even clapped for everyone during introductions. Once the Pastor determined everyone was ready to go, rehearsal ended. Nicole gave the bridesmaids beautiful jewelry, custom made by her Dad. Everyone made their way to the Italian Oven for an Italian feast! As Nicole and Adam made introductions, they gave everyone a t-shirt with the 'Team Barragatto' logo. My eyes filled with tears as Nicole shared how she had always looked up to me. Caleb was given a Curious George shirt which he couldn't put on fast enough! After the team picture, Caleb was ready to call it a night. Back at the hotel, in his pajamas, he decided he wanted to go to the pool. Of course, why not! Grandma, Caleb and I made our way to the pool only to discover it was cold! We let Caleb splash in the 'hot' tub that was only slightly warmer than the pool. When I started to get goose bumps in the 'hot' tub, we finally called it a night! After a sleepless night, morning came especially early. After a battle with the shower and a cup of black hotel coffee, it was time to meet the girls at the salon! The stylists did a fabulous job. Everyone was gorgeous, but most of all the bride! It was time to get dressed, wish my parents well in getting Caleb dressed and get to the theater for pictures. Unbeknownst to me, Caleb fell asleep right before my parents needed to get him dressed. Waking Caleb is never a good idea. After debating whether or not to bring him to the theater in his pajamas, they woke him and began the process of putting a toddler in a tux! When I met up with them at the church, my Mom had a 'look' and I knew better than to ask questions. My Dad said, "He's dressed, but there are still pieces in the bag that we didn't know what to do with." Priceless! It didn't matter, Caleb couldn't have looked better. Now all we had to do was get him down the aisle, easier said than done. He was more interested in playing with my paper fan than carrying his pillow. At the last second and the promise of Grandma waiting for him with M&M's, we made our way down the aisle. God is there in the big and the small, always bringing peace to this anxious mom. The wedding was a beautiful display of Nicole and Adam's commitment to one another and most importantly their commitment to keeping Christ in the driver's seat! Caleb slept during the ceremony, which was just fine! Pictures were taken under the old marquee and then it was time for Papa to fulfill his promise to Caleb. Papa told Caleb that if he walked down the aisle, he could get his picture taken on the diggers at the construction site just down from the theater. Not a bad trade off for a toddler boy! Everyone met up at Buck's Run Golf Course for yet more pictures before the celebration officially got underway. My Mom did an amazing job of keeping Caleb entertained. I couldn't have done it without her! She's a superhero! We visited with family and snapped candid photos on the patio overlooking the golf course. It was finally time for dinner and the wedding party to be introduced. Caleb was not all that interested in dinner; he needed to run and play! After another walk or two with Grandma, he finally got his chance to burn some energy. It was time to hit the dance floor, and boy did he ever. He danced nonstop, with moves that he did not acquire from Matt or I. The first slow song started to play and Caleb was devastated over having to leave the dance floor. He settled for running around the tables in the back of the room while he anxiously awaited the next fast song. Watching him dance, was by far, the highlight of the evening. The time had come to say our goodbyes and make our way home. Everyone was tired and Caleb was rapidly shedding his clothes. Thank you Adam and Nicole for letting us share in your day in such a special way. Congratulations! We love you!

Ready for rehearsal

Bride & Groom

Team Barragatto posing for a pic at the Italian Oven

A Curious George shirt from Nicole and M&M's from Grandma Sandy....Life is Good 

Nicole and Aunt Sharon sharing a moment at the salon

With the bride at the salon

Dressed and ready to go, well one of us

Off to the theater with Steven, Sammy, Uncle Ray and Aunt Sharon

Uncle Ray helping Caleb with his boutineer

Caleb and Uncle Ray

Grandma & Pa

Aunt Carolyn & Uncle Ron

Caleb and I after the wedding

Sorry ladies, he's with me

Theater Marquee

Caleb attempting to unbutton his jacket like the big boys

Wedding Party pics outside the theater

and
under the marquee

Mr. and Mrs. Barragatto 

Celebrating Adam and Nicole

Caleb's treat for making it down the aisle

This wedding stuff has its perks

At Buck's Run, wishing Matt could celebrate with us

Caleb snapping pictures with his toy Cars phone from Grandma 

Avery and Nicole ready for the dance floor

Sammy & Steven

Aunt Carolyn, Aunt Sharon & Mom

Stacy, Aunt Carolyn, Aunt Sharon, Nicole, Mom & I

My beautiful cousins and I

Capturing a moment with the bride

Am I making myself clear?

Grandma and Caleb

Papa and Caleb

Grandma, Papa and Caleb

Caleb and Grandma going for a walk

Keeping her hubby looking his best

Taking time to stop and smell the flowers

Doing his best bunny impression

At the reception, looking as handsome as ever

Time for a sweet treat

Let's start with the frosting

Grandma and Papa on the dance floor

Taking a break from the dance floor

It's been fun, but I've had enough

Butterfly Kisses

                          

Friday afternoon, my Dad asked if I would like to get dressed up and join him for dinner. I was incredibly excited to spend quality time with my Dad, whom I adore. I have and will always be his little girl. I selected a pink dress for our evening together. We said goodbye to Grandma and Caleb and were on our way. My Dad kept our destination a surprise. We arrived at Uri's Landing, a restaurant at the Port Sanilac Marina, overlooking Lake Huron. I savored clam chowder, crab cakes and most of all, time with my Dad! Our time together was priceless. Unknown to me, he had planned yet another surprise. We were just about home when our song, "Butterfly Kisses", came on. I held his hand as the tears began to fall. We arrived home and he gave me a small box. In the box, a beautiful necklace with three butterfly charms. That evening will be forever etched upon my heart. I love you, Dad!

Chuck E. Cheese's and Other Surprises in Port Huron

 Papa only had to go to the office for a couple of hours on Friday, and then we had him for the remainder of the day! The day was filled with surprises! Late morning, we made our way to the Birchwood Mall in Port Huron, the home of Chuck E. Cheese. Caleb knew all about Monkey Business, but this was his first visit to Chuck E. Cheese's. Papa ordered the pizza and loaded up on tokens. It was now time to play! Caleb, of course, went right to the fireman game that sprayed water! Many tokens were deposited here! He and Papa made their way through the arcade, loading up on tickets, before making their way back to enjoy a slice of pizza. Papa, I mean Caleb, scored enough tickets to win two tops, two whistles and an eraser! It was now time for Caleb's second surprise of the day, the carousel, another first for him! He picked his horse and hung on tight, with Papa by his side. He seemed unsure at first, but when the carousel stopped, he didn't want to get off. The final surprise had a surprise within it! Before heading home, Papa wanted to show Caleb the Blue Water Bridge. The timing was perfect! When we arrived, a freighter was making it's way toward the bridge. Caleb loved seeing the freighter go under the bridge and watching all the big trucks pass overhead! A perfect ending to yet another perfect day!

Caleb's first jeep ride

Teaming up with Grandma to beat Papa 

Papa and Caleb playing the spiderweb game

Papa playing skeet ball

Caleb goes for a ride in a bug

Time for pizza!

Papa scoring Caleb some extra tickets

Chuck E., Caleb and Grandma cruising in their red sports car

Teaming up with Papa to beat Mommy in air hockey

Trying to decide how to spend his tickets

Trying out his prized whistle with Grandma

Papa and Caleb posing for a pic with Chuck E. Cheese

Beautiful carousel, beautiful Grandma

Here we go!

Making their way under the bridge to see the freighter

Here it comes!

The view of Canada from under the Blue Water Bridge

Passing under the bridge

So long freighter,

so long bridge!

A Surprise for Papa and More Adventures with Grandma

Papa had to work the week we were home, but that didn't keep us apart. Each day he went to work, we made plans to surprise him with something special. It was when we took him lunch on Wednesday that our plan for Thursday came together. I noticed that he had a candy jar on his desk filled with candy he doesn't even like. I noted the need to replace it immediately. After lunch, Grandma took a great picture of Papa, Caleb and I that would also be included in Thursday's surprise. That afternoon, we had the picture printed. Grandma found a frame, and Caleb colored a grocery bag which we turned into wrapping paper. The next morning, Grandma and Caleb went and picked out candy, of the chocolate variety, for Papa's new candy dish. We then surprised Papa with a candy dish filled with candy he loves and a picture for his desk wrapped in one-of-a-kind paper. He was not expecting either. Our mission was accomplished. Papa went back to work. Caleb, Grandma and I went and explored the library. The kids' section was in the center of the library surrounded by bookcases and complete with rocking chairs just Caleb's size. After trying out all the rockers and reading a couple of books, we headed home for dinner. We were then off to the park, just blocks from Grandma's house, to play firemen! Just another awesome day with Grandma and Papa!

Lunch with Papa on Wednesday

Surprise!

Let me give you a hand Papa

We better sample these candy bars

A bite for you, a bite for me

Let's read this one Mom

So many choices

On their way to the park

Strong Man Competition

It was campfire night! Caleb watched as Papa collected sticks for the fire and cut the larger branches with pruners. This gave Caleb an idea! He ran and found his adjustable wrench. Papa saw the gears grinding and played along. Papa found some small sticks for Caleb to 'snip with his pruners'. Papa held the stick, and as Caleb squeezed the wrench, Papa snapped the stick. Caleb was so animated as he gave all he had to snap these sticks. He was having so much fun that he decided to find some more sticks. However, the sticks that he found were much larger and more challenging for Papa to snap. Caleb and Papa both worked up a sweat, and we were all overcome with laughter. A definite trip highlight!

Great Grandma's Surprise

With a little assistance from Grandma and Mommy, Caleb created a beautiful bouquet of colorful foam flowers for Great Grandma's 81st birthday. He decorated the vase with stickers. To support the flowers, Grandma filled the vase with pearls. We finished it off by inserting a picture of Caleb among the flowers. The following morning, Caleb and Grandma went to purchase a real bouquet. When they walked in, Caleb spotted a purple African Violet. He didn't need to look further, that was the one he wanted. We finally had everything we needed to complete our surprise, and it was time to go visit Great Grandma and Pa. Since her birthday was not for a few days, she was more than surprised that we arrived with a party just for her. After receiving her gifts and opening her card, we sat down and enjoyed a doughnut and a visit.

Pa & Great Grandma

Caleb sitting with Grandma, showing Pa his toy train

Grandma, Pa & Great Grandma

Me & my grandparents

Forester Park on Lake Huron

While I enjoyed a morning run, Caleb and Grandma made a run of their own. They went out in search of beach toys and the best glazed doughnuts one has ever tasted! They succeeded in finding both. They surprised Papa at his office, with one of the doughnuts, before making their way home with an entire basket of beach toys! After packing everything we could possibly need at the beach, including a picnic lunch, we headed to the lake. We arrived to find we had the entire park and beach area to ourselves. How wonderful! On the horizon, two freighters were visible. It was a beautiful, sunshiny day and the water was just right for dipping your toes.  When he wasn't digging in the sand, Caleb gathered stones and tossed them in the lake. I found two Petoskey stones as I walked the water's edge, still one of my all time favorite things to do. After collecting our beach gear, we made our way up the ramp and back to the playground where we enjoyed our picnic lunch in the shade of an evergreen tree.

Diamond Trail Park, just blocks from the house, where I enjoyed my morning run

A view of Lake Huron from Forester Park

Giddyup!

Watching the minnows 

Burying rocks in the sand so he could dig for buried treasure

The beach at Forester Park

Freighters on the horizon

Making their way up the ramp in search of a prime picnic spot