Julia & Austin's Open House

The planning and preparing for the wedding was over and it was time for all those events to unfold. There were many blessings showered on us during that time. There were many challenges, too, leading up to the wedding. My washer & dryer gave out, but I remembered my Mom saying it was all part of having a temple wedding. Crismon was so busy, I went ahead and made that major purchase on my own. After 38 years of marriage it was very exciting to have my first "new" washer & dryer. I felt like a queen! Crismon said, "If I would have known how excited you would be over a washer & dryer, I would have done this earlier!"

Meredith was the first to fly in on Dec. 27th, then Alice-Anne. They were staying with the Vance's, so we didn't see them until we arrived at the Open House in Puyallup. It was fun for those girls to have a 3-hour drive together to visit and catch up on each other's lives.

Austin & Julia

We arrived in time for Emily to work on Julia's hair before the Open House. The Doutre's were so kind to have us to dinner, too. We enjoyed getting acquainted with their children.

Emily did a nice job on fixing Julia's hair. 

Anglea Doutre, Austin's Mom put together the most beautiful Open House, decorated so lovely, with delicious food. His Dad, Dennis, is the Bishop in their ward. Everyone that went through the line said something like this, "The Doutre's are the best family." "Your daughter is so blessed to marry in such a great family."We do feel so grateful to be connected with such good people as the Doutre's.

Angela Doutre, Austin, Julia & Dennis Doutre

Becca & Nathan & Eden, Breanna, Austin & Julia, Nick & Dani, and Cami

My sister, Kathi, lives in Puyallup, along with her daughter, Christie and her baby, Chole. Then her daughter, Amy Beam, lives about 45 minutes away. Kathi spent Christmas with her oldest son, Devin, and his family, so she couldn't be at the Open House, but we were so happy to have Christie and Amy and their children there.

Julia & Emily have been close sisters all their lives. It was hard for Emily to see Julia to let go of her as she knew once she was married it would never be quite the same.

Emily put together a really nice book of pictures of Julia & Austin that they used for their guest book.

The sisters had so much fun being together at the Open House, and the three-hour drive up and back.

I love my beautiful daughters! They are such a joy to me.