Bridal Shower...

....honoring, Dustin and Julie!

Molly and I threw a shower for Julie this weekend in Belvidere, IL. We chose to throw it there because we thought it was most centrally located for all of the friends and family to travel to. And Aunt Jill was willing to open her home to us for the festivities.

Our original plan was a Citrus themed shower for the women, and the men were going to be go golfing. But plans changed, and therefore our theme and menu pretty much went out the window. So we re-planned an easier menu to feed men and women alike, but kept the color scheme. On the menu were Chicago Dogs, Pork burgers, Chicken Penne Pasta Salad, Potato Salad, Chips, Salsa, and a Sundae Bar too! The only citrus theme item we kept were Orange cookies (because they are Julie's favorite), and they were the party favors for all who attended.

We had a beautiful day that we spent outside playing bean bag toss, washers, wiffle ball (I think that ended before the shower started because Blayne and Eddie broke the balls), and of course some plain old visiting among family and friends. The group photo was taken after some guests had already left, but it is our immediate Smith family, the Specks, the Knotts, DAve, Cathy, and LInda!

Oh, and a disclosure on the Peace Sign. Julie's brother and sister in law ordered her a cheese platter that they registered for from Potterybarn, and instead they got a light up Peace sign from PB Teen. They were wondering why the box said PB teen on it! That'll teach ya to open the box!

We didn't do any standard shower games. But Rick and Jill took a trip to Chicago the week before to video tape Dusty answering some questions, and then put on a mini Newlywed game for all to enjoy. Poor Julie was quite embarrassed with some of the questions they had to answer! And Dusty even kept it G rated in his responses. It was very cute and entertaining!

Then of course there were gifts. The kids opened most of them for Julie I think. And lucky for her they ripped lots of bows, therefore leading to many children in her future!

Here are a few pictures of the kids, most of whom are in the wedding. Rowan and Kaitlyn are flower girls, and Tommy and Kieran are ring bearers. They are all going to be so darn cute!

All in all it was a wonderful laid back day. Ended up being a bit long, since Rowan was up at 530am, and we were on the road to Belvidere just after 7am. And didn't get home that night until just before 10pm. But it was a great time spent with family and friends!