Tying the Knot

Well, technically, Paul and Linda had tied the knot a week before this reception but it was still very special. Paul is John's youngest brother . . . and the final brother to get married! I have a special place in my heart for Paul. I met him when he was only 14 (I was only 18, but still). When John and I lived in Fort O. for the first year we were married, we went to his family's house almost every Sunday for dinner. Somehow, it evolved that Paul and I were assigned to make dessert. We always had so much fun insulting each other's culinary skills. He really feels like my little brother, not just my brother-in-law . . . we just have way too much fun dissing each other.

The reception was held in "The Valley," the ward John grew up in and the ward we attended for the first year we were married. It was a lot of fun to see people I haven't seen in awhile . . . any visit to the Valley involves lots and lots of hugging. I love those people! Laura and Hilda did the decorations . . . aren't they amazing?! I told Laura she should go professional and write a book or something. I mean, I hate HATE (no offense Linda, I'm just weird!) the color purple and all I could think was how pretty everything looked. That's quite an accomplishment in itself! Sarah's (Matt's wife) parents catered and HOLY COW . . . that was the best spread I'd ever seen or had at a reception. It was so good.

My mom made the groom's cake as her gift and it was pretty darn beautiful (as all her cakes are) and delicious. For the small amount of people that came, a lot of cake was gone! Poor Paul only got a bite (they cut the groom's cake since it was his hometown) but I made sure he left with a cinderblock-sized piece . . . gotta get him working on those "husband handles" . . . heh, heh.

Charlie had a great time. Several people told me he was "the best dressed man" there. Sorry, Paul. He was very skittish at the beginning but then he warmed up and went wild. Mr. Turner (photographer/family friend) took a liking to him and followed him around. Charlie would pose and dance for him (it's sounds creepier than it actually was!). He even encouraged Charlie to touch the cake as if he was stealing a lick of frosting! For anyone who gets those pictures, let me know so I can see how those came out! Charlie had the best time playing with his nephews. As with any Flynn function, it ended with a tangle of boys on the floor. Charlie loves playing with his boy cousins since he doesn't have any siblings. Guess that means one thing . . . it's time we find Charlie a new home where there are lots of boys to play with. Any takers?

But I think Charlie's favorite part of the night was Linda. I think he's in love. He kept talking about her all night! When I told him we had to leave, he says, "Say 'bye' to Linda?" As we drove home, he kept asking, "Where's Linda?" Hmmm . . . I wonder what he sees in her . . . (wink, wink) It may have had to do with all those big kisses she gave him . . .

John took Paul and Linda's engagement and wedding photos and they honestly are some of the best pictures he's ever taken (portrait-wise). Once John gets his website where he wants it, you'll have to go visit and check it out. The slideshow he made for the reception was really beautiful. Ah, what a talented man!

Congratulations Linda and Paul! We love you!

Brian, Matthew, Scott, Paul, John's Dad and John.

Paul and the nephews.

Cutting the cake.

John's mom and dad, "We're finally done!"