"We're almost there!"

Dave and I have decided this expression is the theme of our wedding preparation.  A few times we recall uttering those three words:
- As we were assembling a zillion (okay, 40) garlands
- Stamping, embossing, and drying cookie bags (I guess this one wasn't soooo bad, in retrospect)
- During construction of all those napkin rings
- While printing, cutting, scoring, folding, stuffing, and labeling our invitations
- When Dave was feeling like he'd never get to wear his wedding band
- When I was feeling like my wedding dress alterations would never end (she worked in baby steps)
- When Dave and I think fondly of the evening of August 23rd (when we will arrive at the Stephanie Inn in Cannon Beach and sit down to a wonderful dinner, then return to a GORGEOUS room)
- Earlier this week when we got to meet Kaylee and Ethan (the adorable Blana twins) and realized that our friends are parents now
- Yesterday when we spent our pre-wedding Saturday rolling out and punching 231 cookies

I feel sure there are more occasions, but you get the idea.

The general consensus among our families is that we are (read: I am) insane for having so many projects, but that in the end it will all look really nice and be a lot of fun.  Sometimes we've felt that way (insane).  But on the way home last night I was thinking about friends' weddings, and how much I enjoyed those personal details.  In fact, I got to thinking that the wedding "style" right now is very DIY (do-it-yourself).  What I really loved about this is how easily we could integrate meaningful and eco-friendly elements.  So, I can't wait for 6 days, and approximately 9 hours from now, when the ceremony begins and I get to sit back and take the ride.  For all the stress, I really think we're going to be happy with how everything turns out.

And if nothing else, I know how happy we are to have our family and friends here with us.  Dave's family is starting to arrive, and we got to see how completely adorable our flower girl/jr. bridesmaid Jessie and ring bearer John will be in their attire.  Early this week more family will start rolling in...

So thank you for helping us through this amazing, once-in-a-lifetime moment in our lives.  This morning I woke up for the first time in a long time with a sense of calm, and just feeling excited that we're almost there! :)