Gowin Family Blog

This past weekend my little brother became a husband and his fiancee became a wife, one to the other. They asked us–all FIVE of us–to be in the wedding. Me, Suzanne, Erin, Liam, and Maura. ALL five of us, those crazy lovebirds.

Suzanne spent the summer making the girls’ dresses and they (the girls and their dresses) looked beautiful. Liam and I wore tuxedos. Since Liam won’t even wear a “button shirt” to church, we were worried that he’d revolt when we put a suit on him. But he too did great.

Here’s how the weekend played out:

Friday

Left Lincoln before 7:00 AM and drove to Michigan City to get fitted for the tuxes. From there we drove to the hotel in South Bend to get checked in and get Maura down for a nap. The big kids and I went swimming. Then it was back to Michigan City for the rehearsal then to LaPorte for the rehearsal dinner. Then back to South Bend for sleep.

Saturday (wedding day)

Breakfast at Memorial Hospital in South Bend (it was close to the hotel–my mom’s idea). While Maura took a nap at the hotel, I took the big kids across the street to the College Football Hall of Fame.

After that it was back to Michigan City for the wedding. The kids did wonderfully–nobody screamed or cried or did anything inappropriate. Then it was back to a few locations in South Bend (including St. Mary’s and Notre Dame) for photos before getting on to the reception. The reception was held in a great old dance hall, the Palais Royale. Erin thought we were participating in a “ball” (and I’m guessing this is as close as we’ll come to doing so). We had great help from a friend, Emily, who watched the kids so Suz and I could enjoy ourselves more.

Sunday

We spent a lazy morning at the hotel before checking out and driving back to Michigan City. The wedding party was gathering at Kristina’s folks’ house for lunch and hanging out so we joined them as well.

Before leaving Michigan City we drove up Lake Shore Drive and stopped at Washington Park for a bit to let the kids put their toes in the water.

The long trek back south brought us to Lincoln around 8:00 PM. We all returned tired but certainly enjoyed ourselves.

Congrats and blessings, M&K. Thanks for including us in your special weekend.

(Need more photos?)

I’m in school, Erin’s in school, Liam’s in school–everybody’s in school.

Erin started first grade (more photos here).

Liam started pre-school (more photos here):

I started another MBA class but no one was there to take pictures

One of our goals for the summer was to teach Erin to ride a “two-wheeler.” Sadly, I wasn’t as diligent at this as I could have been; even so, with only a handful of lessons, Erin has learned to start, balance, and steer. Braking is coming along as is turning around. Here are a couple shots from today to mark this milestone in her life.

Here she comes…

…and there she goes.

Nearly ready for the Tour de France.

When I came home from work today, the kids were watching Sleeping Beauty. Liam asked me what I wanted.

Me: Hmmm… I’d like all my work to be done.
L: OK–bibiddy-boppity-BOO!
Me: So my work is all done now?
L: Yup.
Me: Wow–thanks, bud.

If only…

Today in the van on the way to Springfield, Erin was complaining that she was hot and suggested that she could pour her water bottle over her head. I asked her why she would do that, and she said, “That’s what Lance Armstrong does!” I guess they have been sufficiently indoctrinated, Michael. I did note to her that Lance is outside on his bike when he does that and to please not try it in the van. Also, as much as we like Lance, we don’t want to do everything he does….