A Bridal Shower

One of the good things about arriving a few days before the wedding was that we got to attend some of the pre-wedding festivities.  (Before we begin, I have to say that I spent more time having fun and enjoying myself rather than taking pictures.  I have a lot of pictures, but there are also a lot of holes.  Fortunately, a long-time friend of my dad diligently took pictures at the wedding so I am using most of his from that day.)

First off, the girls and I went to Debby's bridal shower, hosted by some of her friends.  Two of Debby's friends grew up with her in Utah and now they all live in California together.  They have all known each other since they were 5 years old.  They played soccer together and went to high school together.  They know our family pretty well and we know them.  It was fun to see them again.

The theme of Debby's shower was "Sex and the City" but fortunately because there were kids from both the bride and groom's sides of the family it was very discreet.  In the end the theme was basically just "glamorous" which was good.

gorgeous table settings

The shower was held in a friend's backyard and another friend who happens to be a big-time LA event planner designed everything.  It was really nice.  They had huge flower centerpieces on the tables along with hanging chandeliers over the food table.  If we learned anything on this trip, it is that Debby and friends always go BIG.

Debby-the bride, Ashley and Paige

Aunt Pao (background), Ashley and my sister Katey

We all had a good time.  Ashley and Paige loved feeling all grown up and girlie with the ladies.  Also it was nice that two of my Aunties from Thailand were able to come to.  Funny thing is that the night before when we asked my Aunt Pao if she wanted to come to the shower and told her it was for girls only, she declined.  Of course, lost in translation was the American custom of bridal showers.  She was thinking "shower" literally with a big group of ladies.  No wonder she wasn't interested!  Once we cleared it up and let her know that it is just a party or celebration at which you "shower" the bride with gifts, she was more than happy to come.

Jenny, Paige-with fake glasses, and the chandeliers

Winner of the toilet paper wedding dress contest!

Best gift - awesome yellow hat, I want one!

The bridal shower was on July 4th so after brunch the guys in our family came over and our whole family along with a few of Debby's close friends stayed for a backyard BBQ and fireworks.  The girls went swimming in the pool, even though the weather was pretty cool.  After visiting and helping Debby with some wedding stuff, Paige taught Debby and all her friends a dance.  Paige and her best friend back home choreographed a whole dance to Katy Perry's "California Gurls."  Seriously it is so cute (if you ask her, she'd be happy to perform it for you or even teach you the steps.)  Anyway, it was pretty cute, she had all the ladies dancing.

After all the dancing and eating, we went out front to light fireworks.  Fireworks are fun for my girls because we can't do them in Illinois.  (Although, I'm not sure who had more fun, the guys or the kids.)  Again, lots of fun and I just have to say how thankful I am that Sam (Deb's fiance) didn't lose any fingers while shooting off bottle rockets.  The arm hair was gone, but that was not essential for the wedding!