William and Kari's Wedding, Feb 18th 2013

We have returned to the boat after a few days away.

We visited friends, Marcel and Fern in Largo on our way to Martin and Kathy's in Zephrhills. Spent 2 nights with Marcel and Fern. Unpacking the car on the first night, I found that I had forgotten my overnight bag  at the boat. I realized just how much I over pack when travelling. Two thrift stores and a trip to Walmart and I had the essentials for 5 days away from the boat and a wedding. Fortunately we had left our dress clothes with Martin and Kathy.

Marcel and Fern took us to St. Petersburg harbour for lunch and we had two nights of Euchre. If my memory serves me right, the ladies won the first night and the gents the second night. Always good to spend time with them.

Peter, dressed by "George"

Oh but the fun didn't finish there. One hour before the wedding, Peter was getting dressed, only to find that he had no dress pants. Not sure where they are. But a quick trip to Walmart again and he was set. Peter, dressed by "GEORGE". And we made it to the wedding on time.

The original time for the wedding was 6:00 pm, and William and Kari had moved the time up to 5:30pm. Kari had warned everyone that she was going to arrive at 5:15; and if everyone was there ---- the wedding would begin. Nervous ? or Anxious? Not sure. She is so much fun. Such a beautiful bride. She looked beautiful, and her dress was perfection. They exchanged their vows as the sun was setting. An intimate outdoor setting on the golf course. Perfect. It made for a very relaxed ceremony. The heat of the day was waning. The lighting perfect for the pictures after the ceremony.

And here is the newest VanLaarhoven family. William, Oliver, Kari and Abbey.

Martin and Kathy had a BBQ for everyone the evening before the wedding at their Florida home in Zephrhills. We arrived with enough time for me to do "gel" nails for Kathy, Wendy, and Mom. Phew! Got them all done just in time for a drink before the BBQ. It was good to meet Kari's side of the family. While we knew a lot of them already, there were some new faces. Great to renew other friendships.

The renowned "Bitches with Brushes" were together again. They do clean up good. Mom, myself, Kathy (mother of the groom) and Wendy. 

Tuesday morning, the guys were off to the golf course, and Kathy, Wendy, Mom, Francie and Mary were off to Brandon for the big JoAnnes Fabric store. We had a leisurely start, and then tried to find an illusive flea market, then off to the boat.

We have decided to paint the waterline stripes on the boat as they are badly faded. Made the decision to go into the water on Monday. We will probably sit at the dock for a day or two to make sure everything is working well and then head off for a hopefully leisurely trip down the Gulf coast as we make our way to Marathon Key.