Michael and Ashley Get Married

Several months ago I planned one of my complimentary trips to Las Vegas and invited Ashley to go as my guest. With Michael's connections with Harrah's, I figured he'd be able to get a room and it would be a great trip for the 3 of us. Since Michael and Ashley got engaged, Michael has been telling Ashley they should just get married while they were in Vegas. Ashley was totally against the idea. She wanted a destination wedding. So imagine my surprise when 10 days before we left for our trip, Ashley began texting me about how to get married in Vegas. And she was serious.

So on Sunday, April 24, we departed for our Las Vegas adventure.

The last time Michael and I were in Vegas, we took a selfie at one of the airport slot machines.

Now that they're a married couple, Ashley is part of our tradition.

Having a limo pick you up at the airport is one of the perks of being a Seven Star player with Harrah's. Our first stop was my hotel, Caesar's Palace. But Michael and Ashley were staying across the street at The Linq which, if you know anything about the strip in Vegas, is really not that close. The limo wasn't making 2 stops, so they had to walk to their hotel.

But it didn't look like their walk caused them too much distress. They still had fun at the slots wherever they were.

On Monday we decided to meet downtown after Michael and Ashley got their marriage license. I can't believe the courthouse is open 7 days a week. The marriage business in Vegas must be booming. I didn't have any bachelor or bachelorette parties planned but I did buy them necklaces which said "Bride/Groom to Be" on one side and "Just Married" on the other. They got a lot of congratulations from total strangers and I believe a few "are you sure?" comments.

Later that night we met up with the Silvey's. Michael and Chris have been friends since grade school and they just happened to be in Vegas at the same time.

The next day, April 26, was the wedding. Ashley and I had our hair and make up professionally done (not as good an idea as it seems) but she was beautiful.

Although I was somewhat bewildered by my make up, I turned out pretty well for the mother of the groom.

After a few quick pictures at Caesar's, the limo took us to the chapel.

Michael and Ashley chose the same chapel where Bob and I got married back in 2006. We weren't allowed to take pictures inside the chapel but we could take as many as we wanted outside.

I'm surprised we got this many good pictures. Between the photographer, Chris and myself, Michael and Ashley didn't know where to look.

Who but Michael would think to bring his beloved Royals to his wedding and Ashley went right along with the theme.

And a traditional shot of the rings.

On our way back to the hotel, I had Michael take a quick picture of me with my new daughter-in-law.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bramel, the best picture taken the whole trip!

Violet's Interaction with Lincoln

It's taken awhile, but Violet is finally figuring out that Lincoln is here to stay.

I don't know whether Melissa wanted to focus her attention on getting this on video or whether she was prepared to bolt should Violet decide to dump Lincoln from the car.

But even a big sister has feelings for her baby brother. It's a little hard to tell but Violet is singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to Lincoln. So cute!

Lincoln's First Teeth

Most parents are able to boast when their child gets his first tooth. Melissa's kids get 2 or 3 at a time.

Such is the case with Lincoln. He got his first tooth...

And his second tooth, all in the same day. Now we can blame the always wet shirt on a baby getting a new tooth. I was a little creeped out by this picture until I realized it was Lincoln's mouth. What some mother's will do to capture first moments!

Golf

I've taken up a new hobby - golf. I even have a tournament scheduled for the first week in May. A girl can only organize her house for so long. Then she needs to get out amongst the living!

Michael and I went to the driving range so I could see how bad I would look at the tournament. I can't hit the ball very far, but at least I hit it straight. I'm good for 75 to 100 yards. I don't think my handicap will be very good.

Michael hasn't picked up a golf club for over 5 years. That boy has a natural ability for golf. He hit it far and straight. Even the geese out in the far spots of the driving range were a little afraid. The tournament starts at 8:30. Hopefully I'll get done before dark!

Lincoln Turns 5 Months Old

Has it really been 5 months since my hair raising car race to the hospital with Melissa while she was in labor?

Time flies so fast. I notice more changes in Lincoln besides growth. He's isn't doing all the things Violet could do at 5 months like sitting by himself, but he is getting out of that newborn baby stage. Maybe the Taylors need to move back into my basement so I don't miss everything!