Just how decadent can it get?
We had an easy trip to Stratton Mountain (with an important stop at Friendly's along the way) and were greeted by family coming from all directions. Kiana and David and baby Juliet were the first we saw; soon we had seen everyone and were getting settled in our very nice condo unit which we have shared with Bruce and Gretl and Aline and Jim. We quickly got over to the rehearsal dinner.
It's a perfect setting for a Smith family wedding. There is plenty of space for everything from sitting and reading to hiking to lively gatherings. The dinner was in an informal setting, so it was easy to visit with everyone. It was also easy - and if this chronicle appears to be less of an overview and more of a grandmother'sperspective, remember I had not seen Lillian or Willie for over a month- to run around, climb stairs, rearrange chairs for tea parties and playdates, explore the food choices, and run and run and run. I managed to find time to have some of the great dinner, but just barely.
Meanwhile, Donna and Rick were everywhere, appearing wonderfully calm and under control. Having organized three weddings ourselves, we were suitably impressed by their composure. We had breakfast materials in great bags in our rooms, and they had taken into account every eating need and preference. I find that a challenge when I am at home and feeding two or three guests. Wow.
The entire event has been like that - beautifully organized, informal but elegant. It was a pleasure to meet Amy after hearing her name for so long. Welcome to the family, Amy! It was impressive to see the thousand origami cranes Chris made to decorate the rooms, and for good luck going into his marriage. The bride and her attendants all looked lovely and happy. The very young children all behaved remarkably well. The weather was wonderfully cooperative (thunder showers with a great light show the night we all arrived, with dry moments whenever we had to walk any distance, and a lovely, warm, dry day for the outdoors ceremony the next day - I'd say those cranes got right to work), the dinner was very good with all sorts of choices, the DJ clearly knew what music worked for the crowd, but - there has to be a little worry, doesn't there? - Smith kids, you have some serious partying competition in Donna's sisters!
For me, there have been some wonderful moments with Lillian - Willie was pretty set on keeping Mommy in sight this trip. One time, we were walking with Rebecca. I was wearing my running shoes, fastened with little cylindrical spring-clips which leave a bit too much of the laces dangling. Lillian said, "Mommy, Grammy needs some help with her shoes!" She and I spent a bunch of time in the pools together. She often told me, as casually as she could, that I didn't need to follow her. That didn't work. She looked at me speculatively and said she'd like to run. Nope, not that, either. She forgave me for my overly cautious attitude, though, and we had a great time examining three types of iridescent beetles and admiring a five-year-old girl whose dad had brought her to the pool.
After the wedding we have moved into reunion mode. Wonderful as it is, no one would call it restful. So perhaps this vacation squared is not so very decadent. Figuring out activities for everyone is an entertainment in itself. Meetings and opinions prevail. We managed to agree on a trip to Emerald Lake State Park for lunch, visiting time and a gentle canoe ride. We saw a couple of turtles. Today, some are headed to a luge-like slide at another ski resort; others will spend the afternoon exploring a historic house and the charming little town of Manchester. Oh, and I have scheduled a massage just to bump the decadence factor back up a bit.
I have found the limits of my flexibility. New mattress every night? Not a problem. Weird food, ok. But our Colgate was too big - couldn't take it through security. Our kind roommates gave us various travel-size tubes of other popular brands. My limit seems to be new toothpaste.
Back to Minot tomorrow, back to miles on Thursday.
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