Wedding Day

Wow! It has been a great day - a great week for enjoying the company of family and celebrating Natalie and Ryan's wedding. I first met Ryan's family at a shower on Wednesday evening. Last night at the reception, it was wonderful to see cousins I haven't seen for a long time and catch up on what is going on in their lives and with their families. And of course, the sheer enjoyment of being with my brother and sisters (and their spouses), my beautiful mother, and many nieces and nephews.
I don't think there are any finer people on earth than my family of origin -brother, sisters, and parents, and I always feel such a joy and contentment when we are together. The opportunity to be with them has made this week truly special. There was an especially beautiful closeness being together with them in the temple this morning when Natalie and Ryan were sealed. I couldn't help thinking about my dad, and feeling that he was there as well. Several of my siblings were touched by the same thoughts.
Ryan Olsen's parents are serving as mission presidents in Cordoba, Argentina. His mom was able to return Salt Lake for this week of wedding activities, but his father had to remain in his calling in Argentina. What was really cool was that they were able to have Ryan's dad listen in by cell phone to the tributes and comments made by the parents and siblings of both Ryan and Natalie, and then he shared his thoughts and some advice for the newly weds as his wife held the cell phone up to the microphone. It was a truly lovely and touching occasion, and the food was outstanding. Market Street Grill sure does know how to cook a perfect filet of salmon!
I have really enjoyed these special days, even though it involved a lot of driving back and forth. The only thing that would have made it even better is if my own children could have shared in some of the gatherings with their cousins and extended family.