Alex got married!

I remember the first time I met Alex and his twin younger brother Paul in March of 1990. The two little guys were so very tiny - weighing in at around 6 pounds at birth. Amy and Judson each crushed that weight - entering the world at over 9 pounds.

That's Alex on the right, Paul on the left

And there were two of them! If one wasn't crying, eating or pooping, the other one was. The idea of twins (or more) is cool. But the reality is overwhelming - and I was only there a few days. I was glad to be part of their early days. After I left, poor Betso got sick with toxic shock and mastitis. Despite all that, A & P grew. Soon to be joined by three siblings. Such a cute fam. It's been fun watching them all grow up - from two time zones away.

2000 Cannon Beach

The good news is that we've had many occasions through the years to see each other. I chuckle thinking about the time niece Leslie and daughter Amy heated up one of the kid's bottles in the microwave for something like 4 minutes. Can you say HOT? Good thing Betso was right there to take charge.

In the last ten years, we've enjoyed spending longer periods of time with the Kohans every other year in Cannon Beach. Alex has always been a fairly quiet guy - unless we were talking about sports. While Alex attended college, his summer job was with the city - a summer camp with kids. He found out how much he loved working with special needs children. That led to extra innings in college while he pursued credits in education. Alex lights up when talking about this topic and his students. Then he met Lisa a fellow teacher. More lighting up! So we weren't surprised when they became engaged last year.

Christine, Paul, Jud, Kara

Scenic view at the winery - and our fam

We were so glad we had this date: 8/4/18 on our calendar all year. Our whole fam was attending - along with my sisters and brother-in-law Jim. Our family hadn't been to Kennewick, Washington since 2000. We all converged in town by Friday for a big family meal at a winery that night. (The rehearsal was the night before.) We had a great time catching up with family and friends. I enjoyed hearing the kids visiting with their cousins. Lots of laughter!

On Saturday, we had some time to explore before the festivities. Our family and Aunt Cindo decided to check out the local a mercantile and a couple wineries. We tasted lots of salsas, pickles, nuts and many wines.

The second place had a wine pourer from South Carolina whose husband was on the Clemson championship team in the 80's. It was a fun time. The views were stupendous!

Then we were off to the Promise Garden for Alex and Lisa's outdoor wedding. It was such a lovely day, upper 80's - not nearly as hot as it could have been. Their vows were straight from the heart. Everyone looked so beautiful and handsome. Then they were announced as man and wife!

We dined on Olive Garden and delish treats and cake made by the bride's mom. Let the dancing begin. Betsy admitted her mother/son dance brought tears to her eyes. It is a special time. Then, seeing that wedding ring on your son's finger. It seems so grown up. Congrats to grown-up Alex and bride, Lisa. We're glad you found each other.

We all had such a grand time laughing and talking. Of course, they played Love Shack. As usual, one of my favorite times was just hanging with our kids. After the wedding, riding back in the rental van, listening to Amy, Corey, Kara, and Jud (with a few additions by Paul and me) talk about shows they watch on TV. Their interactions and genuine friendship. Love.

Welcome to the fam Lisa!