Side Trail to the Desert: Day 6: Palm Springs, CA

Husband & Wife

Saturday: Today was the celebration day (as if we were not celebrating constantly since we arrived). The day went like this: more pool time, some food prep at the Brayford's in the morning and then the formalities. We assembled at the Brayford's mid-afternoon for a very intimate family ceremony, best described as the widening circle. We then headed down to Peppers in Palm Springs, W and C's favorite restaurant: a Thai place where C knows the menu by heart and also knows precisely how to order from it for one of the best taste bud experiences known to mankind. Friends of W and C were there to celebrate with the family and to witness their expressions of love and commitment to each other. Quite moving and joyous. After a toast (or two) we enjoyed plate after plate of delicious cuisine. After dinner we, once again, retired to the Brayford's home for some more fellowship, and, of course, food. A variety of cupcakes centered the continuing feast but the sense of community surrounding the couple was the most poignant feature. Folks just did not want to leave, but alas, the hour hastened and we all went back to our beds with visions of matrimonial delight.

Oleg is ready to party

Siblings, ain't they beautiful together

My boys

Pensive

Happiness

It's all about the girls

Let's celebrate

Commitment & Community

This is what it mens to us

I'm serious about this

Emotional moment 

These are some serious friends

Joy 

Could they be any happier?

What are you up to?

Isn't that guy on the right cool?

I need some help, hon.

Making a point

Making another point

That's hilarious

What happened?

Girl talk

Side Trail to the Desert: Day 5: Palm Springs, CA

S & C on the course

Friday: Daughter C's hubster arrives, so all the chillins are here: we now have 5 couples that represent the Micks/Brayford Clan and what a marvelous family it is. All have remarked at how easily we have melded; must be providence. The day started with a walk up to the water tower above the 10th hole of the golf course, followed by some breakfast from the Sand Wedge, pool time, more food from somewhere, and anticipation for the big event of the day: the "rehearsal dinner" at the club.

Ahh! The Pool

Love that pergola

Because the actual celebration on Saturday was to be an intimate and simple affair (simple is beautiful) no actual practice of ceremony was needed. We just gathered to bring the family more together as we enjoyed a fine repast at the club dining room. Our goal as the out-of-town parents of the groom was to offer, in a traditional way, thanks to the bride and her parents and those involved in the ceremony and to show our love and support of the new couple. There were a few family presents to open, excellent food and desert, belly-laugh stories of how the couple came to be, warm hearts and some tears of joy. Afterward we gathered again at C's parents house (how many times did we gather there? They were such great hosts) just a few blocks away from the club since we just had to spend some more time together. Seeing the new couple together in the flesh was so satisfying and before long we would have to give up this little bit of paradise for more mundane matters. Time together was precious.

The Kid Couples

Mom & Dad Micks

Mom & Dad Brayford

Opening a few gifts 

Huh?

What a meal at the club!

Chill time after the club

Side Trail to the Desert: Day 3&4: Palm Springs, CA

Mom & Son - O Joy!

Wednesday was pretty low key: breakfast at the Sand Wedge, a small but excellent cafe associated with "the Club", some time by the pool, a walk up in the hills, a trip to Costco with J to secure some vittles for the upcoming events, and, since the temp was 106 down in Palm Springs a trip to the movies to see The Hunger Games. We had read the book(s) so there were no surprises; Jennifer Lawrence was borderline brilliant and surpassed all the other actors, save Lenny Kravits as Cinna. We dropped by the grocery store and picked up some salad and wings for a quiet dinner back in #8, then some more pool time and into bed - big day tomorrow.

W, C, & C's Dad, G

Thursday was pick up day for all the kids, except M, C's hubby who had a strings concert for his students and was coming in on Friday. Following are captioned pictures that show the events as they unfolded.

Happy Reunion

I Love You, Dad

Dads & Kids - C is here now

Three Kids in PS Airport headed to DHS

C catching up with Oleg

Family Lunch

The Baltimore Kids arrive

Love Fest

Late Lunch

The Moms

The Kids

Oleg

Night Life in downtown PS

Pool Action

Pool Action

So the day was filled with shuttles to the airport, lunch at J&G, hugs, chats, getting to know each other, family melding, pool time, street fair in PS with dinner at The Matchbox and then bed for all those who were feeling the effects of east-to-west travel. Tomorrow C's hubby comes in and then we will be complete: Two sets of parents and three sets of kid couples, that have to be the greatest blessings anyone could ever imagine. And the fun is just beginning.

Mini-burgers and a pile of onion straws