My brother's and I had brunch together late this morning to visit and catch up with the news. I enjoy my brothers even though we've spent so much time apart, maybe because we've spent so much time apart. There are a lot of things we don't have in common but we enjoy talking when we're together. It's also nice to talk with Diane, my sister-in-law. Since I don't have any sisters I've been lucky to get great sister-in-laws.

After a leisurely breakfast it was time to get dressed for the wedding. They started taking pictures at 1:30 PM and finished up just before the 4:00 PM wedding. We all spent more time talking as the photographer tried to get everyone to look special. She was quite good and kept things moving along smartly.

Everyone was tired of smiling but especially Betty and Rick. I think that is one of the hardest things about a wedding. It's a good idea to have the pictures taken beforehand so the guests don't have to wait for a long time at the reception. One of Rick's sons kept complaining that Rick wasn't suppose to see the bride beforehand and when he got married, he was going to do it the traditional way. Right kid!

Finally what we were all there for. Heidi looked so beautiful as the maid of honor and Betty was gorgeous. The men looked handsome and all that, but the women are always the stars. They used the traditional vows including Betty promising to submit. Rick also asked the minister to use "Rick" and not Richard, which gave it a more relaxed feel.

At the end the bride and groom greeted each row and hugged and shook hands as they ushered the guests out instead of a reception line, which worked rather nicely, though several of us were a bit confused as we hadn't seen this done before.

The reception was very nice. The food was good and most of it was homemade, including the mints, which were delicious. Dan made a toast and said "Rick and Heidi Marie Aschmann" instead of "Rick and Betty Aschmann". He was so embarassed but Betty just laughed. After more than twenty years, we just get used to names being used together.

I got to cut the wedding cake, which I have never done, and no one really knew much about it so we just muddled through. It was a bit messy and I had frosting all over my fingers, but everyone got some cake and it all turned out well.

As usual Rick couldn't stop talking, and Betty knew she wouldn't see most of her family and friends for a few years, so they outstayed most of the guest. We saw them off finally with soap bubbles and a decorated car. I helped with the clean up and then we all hugged and kissed and went our separate ways again, till who knows when.