I bolted from work, jumped in the car, and headed to my hometown. It was time to celebrate.

Last month, my cousin Katie got married.

Katie’s family grew up just around the block from mine. Nearly every holiday, our families would gather to do it up proper, holiday style. New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, the Superbowl the year the Broncos won (yes – it did happen, don’t stop believin’!). When their eldest son was learning to unicycle, my brother and I jumped in as well (and promptly fell down, over and over again). We went camping, mountain biking, rock climbing. We set off fireworks and went horseback riding. From scampering about our neighborhoods, to playing pool and ping pong in my grandparents’ basement, we  have shared so many good times. Having their family close to ours has been an absolute joy and blessing over the years.

Katie, I am so happy for you and Peter. He is a lucky man, and we can’t wait to meet him and celebrate some more. You have become a beautiful, genuine and remarkable woman.

I mingled with the family for most of this shindig, but here are a few shots from the bridal shower.

It was a lovely cake, though I missed the pre-feasting shot. Isn’t little Katie adorable?

And here she is today in the middle of gift opening. Gorgeous dahlin’.

My aunt.

Steve and Elise.

The ring. (Peter, if you ever read this – nicely done. Very classy.)

You’re terrific, Katie.