Dale and Sarah's Reception Part I

 Dale and Sarah's reception was at the Brookside Club in the clubhouse overlooking the golf course.

Donna made cookies for favors and the table numbers referred to years in Sarah and Dale's lives.  We sat at table 1999 with photos of the two from that year.
Donna had to make a few repairs to the wedding cake, and then it was time to introduce the bride and groom, and for them to have their first dance.

Then, it was time for speeches by the fathers and a few special dances.

Finally, the cutting of the wedding cake and time to boogie!

Dale and Sarah's Wedding

 We got to Dale and Sarah's wedding on Monument Beach in Cape Cod early to find the groom putting up the signs.

 We watched the florist and officiate unpack their cars, and then other family members began to appear.

Donna, Glen, Meredith, Todd, Tom, Dave, Scott and Karen!

 Donna pinned boutonnieres on both of her sons.

 Todd and Dave tried out our chairs on the edge of the beach.

Tom, Donna and Meredith caught up with old friend Gerri.
And then, the moment we were all waiting for---the bride being escorted by her father.
The guests formed an aisle for their entrance.
Bride and groom after the wedding.

A group shot of the guests (they will have to photo shop us in, I guess).  Other photos followed until the rain began, but Dave and I had already arrived at the reception at the Brookside Club.

Magic by Night Part II

 I think we all agreed this was the cutest---to see all of these pandas nestled in and among the bamboo growing at Shaw's Garden (AKA MoBot)

 We were also a little disturbed to see that we were too old to make the Chinese lantern horoscope. With a little deduction, we were able to figure it out (I am a Rooster)

We stopped, sat and were mesmerized by the music, magic and art at the "lily pond basin"

 Although most of the lanterns were made of silk and wire, the dragons were made of china dishes.

 The ship above was made of plastic water bottles and the display below was made of small "medicine" bottles filled with colored water.

 Many of the lanterns were beautifully reflected in water.

All in all, this was a wonderful exhibit---we are so lucky to have this fabulous garden here in St. Louis!  To see it all in May as it was being constructed, click here.

Magic By Night

 Although Dave and I had gone to Missouri Botanical Garden in May, I revisited it with some friends at night.

 We got there a little after 7 PM, so it was still light out. 

 But, at 8:00 PM, the lights came on while we were in the Chinese Garden.

 The dragons on the mural above moved and there was music in several places.

 Often the lanterns lined the walks.

 And often, they told a Chinese Folktale.

They did have several displays showing how these were made (on site). Teams of Chinese artisans worked on the parking lot in tents for several month preparing this exhibit.  And, yes, it was warm.