It was a year and a half in the making, so I can’t believe it’s all over now. Nick and Ashley’s wedding was wonderful. It was a 4 day party with friends and family making the trip to Las Vegas.

We started out our trip by making a visit to the courthouse for the wedding license. Next was Girl’s night (ok, the guys were at the bachelor party, and the younger gals were at the bachelorette party, but that doesn’t count.) Seeing Becky again was something special. Even knowing she’ll read this, I can tell you she hasn’t changed in 16 years. I know we’ll keep in better touch now. Dinner with Linda, Diane, Becky, Elyse and Kim was great. Thank you all for the wonderful night!

Friday was the rehearsal, followed by rehearsal “linner”. It was here that Nick gave Ash her wedding present, a new Coach bag. Way to go Nick. Friday night was amazing. I’d guess there were between 50-100 people that joined us on the “streets of NY”. What a great combination of family and friends. We had the Hattaway’s introducing friends/fam to us and vice versa. By 2:00 a.m. or so we dragged ourselves upstairs knowing that we had to get ready for the big day.

Saturday was an all day affair. We met in Trish’s room at 11:30 for hair and makeup. Wow, the gals all looked great. As Ash was getting her makeup done, Brae started to cry, which made just about all of us cry. With good cause tho – Ashley looked beautiful. After getting pretty, I felt so special as I went downstairs. It’s an interesting feeling, going around with hair and makeup done – in a casino. The neat thing was running into people we knew everywhere. Talk about fun.

The main event was flawless. The ceremony (altho it was hot!!!), was amazing. Little did Nick and Ash know they were going to turn around to a bunch of Elvis’s in glasses with sideburns. You’ll see a few in the pictures. The reception was so fun!. All were dancing and carrying on. We literally had to kick people out at midnight. It was a shame the night had to end. I know that all together it was a special memory for a special couple.

Now Nick nd Ash get to pack up their lives as they need to head out west. Nick got a position as Greek Life Coordinator at Cal State, Fullerton (his alma mater). This is the position that he pursued his Master’s for. Ashley already has a couple of interviews lined up at UC, Irvine. We know any college should be happy to have her. See you guys next week (I just love saying that).

It’s hard to keep up.  Most of this blogging has wound down.  But here it is, 4th of July, and I have the time as the block celebrated yesterday.  Good thing too as this gave us more time.  As we wondered back in the house around midnight, we knew the early celebration was a good thing.  True to the Court, it wasn’t disappointing.  Whenever we get together, it reminds us why we live on this block.

So much has happened, but most importantly, the wedding countdown is at a week until we leave for Las Vegas.  After a year and half wait, it’s the final countdown.  We’re so excited to see family and friends we haven’t seen in awhile.  We’re excited to meet more people that are Nick, Ashley and The Hattaway’s family and fiends as well.

Today is bittersweet as well.  For other reasons, but also that Claudio would have been 48 today.  It’s such a waste that he didn’t see the day.  That we will never see and hear his silly antics is hard to believe.  It reminds me of others that we’ve lost.  It makes me sad, as well as nostalgic.  I’ll stop here and simply wish everyone a happy holiday.  Looking forward to seeing all of you in Vegas!