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It’s hard to believe that after a year of anticipation and preparation, our youngest son’s wedding is just around the corner—one week from today. James and Allison have had a storybook romance and now are mere days away from their fairy tale wedding.
All our lives have been a whirlwind of activities (wedding showers, engagement pictures, gift registration, planning, shopping, more planning). I’ve made endless lists of people to invite to the various functions, things to buy, phone lists for those who are coming. Now, I’m down to the final task: packing.
Since most of our friends and relatives live in either Texas or Oklahoma, there will be a major migration out west next week. We’re delighted that a number of friends and almost all of our immediate family will be there. We’re especially honored that my dad and Max’s mother (James only grandparents) will be there.
I don’t think I’ll cry during the ceremony, but James is my youngest, the last son to marry the girl he will love and adore the rest of his life. And I have been known to cry at seemingly odd moments, so I just don’t know. What I do know is that is has been pure enjoyment to see all our sons choose girls who’ve completed their lives and become my friends. I’m confident the tradition will continue. Allison is already a part of our family, and we love her.
One of the best things about having a wedding in California is that we will be able to enjoy the mild outdoor temperatures. Mild compared to the 110 degree index we’ve been burdened with here in Oklahoma the last few days. Max and I are hosting the rehearsal dinner on Friday night at a jazzy Mexican restaurant with an outdoor patio. Then the wedding ceremony will be in the Rose Garden of the Disneyland Hotel, followed by the dinner reception in one of the hotel ballrooms. I’m sure it will be an enchanted evening, and I will post pictures here as soon as I can.
The day after the wedding, our twin grandsons will be celebrating their 5th birthdays at Disneyland. For them, the trip to California is all about having a birthday with Mickey, and okay, while we’re there, we’ll go to James and Allison’s wedding. 
Oops! The dryer is buzzing, and I really need to get started on that packing list. I’ll keep you posted on our California adventure.