Five of us packed into a Honda Accord and made the 10 hour drive in one day. We got in around 1 a.m. Walla Walla time. The Bushman's were up waiting for us when we got there. We were all so excited to see each other that we hardly got any sleep that night. So fun!
The next day was Nick's graduation (Nate's little brother) which was the funnest graduation I've ever been to for a couple reasons. One, because it was outside with a beautiful view of trees and a stream, two, because it was short, three, because my new little brother Nick was one of the speakers, and four, because I was with Nate. Congrats Nicko! :)
That night Nate and I stayed in a gorgeous bed and breakfast called Cameo Heights, which Nate's dad treated us to. The room was an English Tudor style room, which to my joy and Nate's slight discomfort, was very PINK. We had a magnificent veiw from the third floor, overlooking the pool, a gorgeous vineyard, and the rolling hills of Washington. I felt like a princess staying there, which really was wonderful for me because with the wedding being crammed between semesters, I really didn't have much time to feel like a princess (every girl's dream for her wedding) on that day. But the Open House in Nate's wonderful home town of Walla Walla was my second chance.
The Bushman's insisted that we didn't help out too much with setting up the Open House, so Nate and I took advantage of their kindness and relaxed at Cameo Heights for the afternoon. We enjoyed the delicious breakfast there, went swimming, watched a movie, worked out in their exercise room, and caught up on some much needed sleep (the bed was SO comfortable). Then my parents came to have lunch with us there at the restaurant (called the Vine, which was fantastic). The owner of the bed and breakfast was super friendly and challenged us to a game of Ping Pong. Nate won of course :)
After having some much needed fun, we all headed back to Walla Walla to help with the finishing touches of the Open House. It was such a beautiful day. The sun was shining, the wind was taking a nap, and the smell of the fresh cut lawn and wild flowers filled the air. Sylvia got the perfect treats (chocolate cake for the chocolate lovers, cheesecake, and a yummy white cake with strawberry topping) and drinks (lemonade and a berry punch). They set up tables outside in the sun and topped them with all sorts of cool Walla Walla plants and flowers. It was just like my dream backyard wedding!
Six o'clock rolled around and before I knew it a stream of some of the friendliest people I have ever met came strolling in to congratulate us. I got to meet a lot of wonderful people that were important in Nate's life, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I even got to have a short break and have some treats (yes I got to have my cake and eat it too). Then, literally an answer to my prayers, a cute little girl and her mom came up to me and said they wanted to come see the princess! That was so amazing to me because, as silly as it was, it was really important for me to feel special (I normally don't like attention) on that day, and Heavenly Father cared about my silly wish. How wonderful is that! Anyways, it was a lot of fun and I hope all those that came really enjoyed it. I also hope that it was not too stressful for the Bushmans. They did a fantastic job!
Before I knew it everyone was leaving and it was time to clean up. Nate and I were exhausted after that long and exciting day, so after a short gathering with the family to open some presents, Nate and I headed back to Cameo Heights. The next morning we went to sacrament meeting and then headed back home to Utah.
Though short, our trip to Walla Walla was a ton of fun and exactly what we needed. We came home to face exams and writing talks (we spoke in sacrament meeting this week), and all sorts of craziness. Next week is finals and then summer term! Woohoo! I'm beginning to understand that life is not really ever going to slow down, so we can't wait for that to start really living. So instead we're working on learning to treasure every moment and put the most impotant things (God, family and friends) first. I realized that in 10 years I won't remember what grade I got in organic chemistry, but I will remember if we were happy and if we succeeded in building a strong, righteous family. I know I can't do it all, so it's just a matter of deciding what is most important and doing my best at those things, all the while praying that the Lord will make up for the rest.
We love you all and we love the Lord and His gospel. Wishing you all the best! Here are a few more wedding pictures :)
Fun stuff! I'm glad you had such an awesome time! I'm also glad you have a blog so I can stalk you because I don't see the two of you as often as I'd like :)
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