Cleveland Rocks! (days 1 & 2)

I was never a big fan of The Drew Cary Show but this song just works for this post. Press play then carry on!

Originally, Lauren and I were supposed to spend the night at my mom's house Thursday night and my step-dad was going to take us to the airport. But me being me, that didn't happen. I wasn't close to being packed or ready to go Thursday night so we just drove ourselves to the airport. It wouldn't have been a big deal but the plane left at 6:45am and we had to get up REALLY early. My plans to go to sleep by 9:00 the night before went out the window when Marty brought home our new television for the media room. I think I finally went to bed around 11:30 and still hadn't packed. So when my alarm went off at 4am, I didn't feel very refreshed! But I got myself ready and packed. Lauren had slept in her clothes so I didn't have to worry about getting her dressed. We got to the airport, parked in remote parking, the bus came about 2 seconds later to take us to the terminal. Then we checked in and went through security. Lauren thought it was funny that we had to take off our shoes. While in line, these guys in front of me were whispering to each other because apparently there was a famous baseball guy behind me. I just thought it was some old man. Anyway, I ended up meeting Bobby Brown. Very nice guy.

Just as we got to the gate, they started boarding the plane. Everything went so smoothly which is a weird feeling for me because I am always running late. Lauren loved the plane ride. She has been in a plane before but was too young to remember it. She took several pictures of the clouds. Then when we got above Cleveland, she told me it was the most beautiful city in the world! She thought the lake (Lake Erie) was too cool!

We got to Cleveland half an hour before we were scheduled so by the time my dad found us, we already had our luggage. We were at his house by 11am and the wedding rehearsal didn't start until 5pm so we headed out to Dad's sailboat. Lauren had never been on a boat before and was really nervous at first but that didn't last long. It was a good day for her first sail because it wasn't too windy and even with both sails up, we weren't tipping much at all. She really enjoyed driving the boat. But when we got out about a mile or so, she decided she wanted to swim. So Dad dropped the anchor right there in the middle of Lake Erie and we all jumped in. BRRRRR! I'm used to pools in Texas. Big lakes in Cleveland are COLD!

At about 3:00 we decided we had better head in or we would miss the rehearsal. It takes a long time to sail back and then cover all of the sails, etc.

We didn't get back to my dad's until after 4:00. Lauren and I were a mess and had to drive to our hotel, check in, shower, get dressed and drive back to the church ... all before 5:00. That didn't happen! We finally made it to the church at 5:35 ... exactly the time when the flower girl was supposed to head down the aisle. Got there just in time! The story of my life.

After the rehearsal, we had a nice picnic at a pavilion by the lake. Had hamburgers, hot dogs and watched the sun set with everyone in the wedding party.

Lauren and I got back to the hotel at about 10:00pm and we were looking out our window (which overlooked the indoor pool) and I heard someone yelling my name. That kind of freaked me out but then I realized it was my sister's fiancé. His whole family was staying at our hotel so Lauren and I went down to the pool and swam until it closed at 11:00. By the time I gave Lauren a bath, it was after midnight and she zonked out immediately ... still holding the balloon she had gotten at the picnic.

Saturday morning we slept in late. We didn't have a car because Dad had dropped us off at the hotel. So Lauren and I decided to walk to the shops that were just down the street. They ended up being farther than I thought and I had to carry Lauren a little of the way because she was being lazy. Then at about 1:00, Dad came to get us and we went to the church to get ready for the wedding which started at 3:00. Lauren had fun in the bride's room. And she was a beautiful flower girl. She spread the petals just like she was supposed to. The wedding was really nice.

We had to hang around at the church for a long time for pictures so we took a few as well. Here are some of Lauren, me and my dad.

The reception hall was gorgeous. The food was delicious. The wine was free-flowing (read as "Robyn drank way too much of it!"). Anyway, the party lasted from 6:00-midnight. Lauren had a blast dancing and I had a great time dancing and talking to relatives I hadn't seen in a very long time. That's me and my Great Uncle Don (my grandma's brother).

Lauren was pretty tired when the reception was over but she was starving and I had promised to take her to Burger King. Who knew that Burger King's in Ohio were not open until 2am?! Oh well, I ended up taking her to a convenience store and she picked out some Cheetos. Great dinner! LOL! She finally crawled in bed a little after 1:00. I think that may be the latest she has ever stayed up.

WOW! This is turning into a huge post and I know that no one really even cares (well ... maybe Mom!). This one is mostly for me to remember the trip. So I'll end it here so I'm not late for work. But tomorrow you get to hear about days 3 and 4 of our trip. I know you are so excited about that!