Let the countdown begin

They came. They partied (sort of). They shopped. They left.

During a whirlwind weekend that began with a wedding shower Friday night, Jamie and her mom, Linda, made the most of their 48 hours in Portland. They also went shopping for a bridal dress on Saturday, went out again Sunday in search of shoes, wedding outfits for the moms (Linda and Lori) and tuxedo rentals for the dads (Jeff and myself) and others in the wedding party.

Lori and Simone hosted the shower at our home. Both knocked themselves out fixing a variety of finger foods and, with an assist from Kyndall the Grillmaster, kept everyone well fed and hydrated. It was pretty funny walking into the living room at about 7:30 p.m. and seeing wall-to-wall women. I was giving hugs to relatives, friends, neighbors, even a stranger or two -- Jamie's friends, of course. ("Don't worry," I said. "I live here. I'm Jordan's dad and Lori's husband.)

All went well that evening. Lori even averted a near-catastrophe with a quick move that otherwise would have seen a lot of cake frosting on the floor.
Saturday morning, I cooked breakfast for the ladies and then didn't see them until dinner. I could tell they were tired. Poor Jamie, having to try on so many dresses and make a decision under the gaze of Linda, Lori and Simone.

Sunday morning, I prepared breakfast again and then didn't see them until around 5. Jamie and Linda, with Lori in tow, made the rounds at the mall, then visited an alterations specialist, picked up dinner to go, swung by the house to pack up, then hit the road for the long drive back to Butte Falls.

I know it was tiring for everyone, but now, with invitations already sent and other arrangements falling into place, the countdown can begin. In 6 1/2 weeks, on Nov. 22, Jordan and Jamie will be married. Lori and I will be in-laws. And a whole new chapter in our lives will begin.

Wow.