Here Comes The Bride...

1970

This is my younger sister, Diana.

She's eleven years younger than I am, and the one that most

 resembled me growing up. It's more than just a physical resemblance.
 

She loves the outdoors, just like her big sister.
She loves to cook and we share many recipes together.
We love doing things with and for our families.
We're both fiercely loyal and we're both strong women
who ably take care of ourselves and our loved ones.

1975

 It's been fun watching her grow up and have some small
influence on the wonderful woman she's become.

I had so much fun spending time with her when she was a kidlet.

This photo was from a day trip to the Milwaukee (WI) County Zoo

we'd gone on with our younger siblings.

1980

We also welcomed many family babies together.

This is our niece, Jennifer as a baby...our first niece.

(Remember my posts about making Jenni's wedding gown

and then her own child's Christening gown? Time flies!)

2012

Diana and I are both grandmas now...We each have three grandchildren

and we're proud of our kids (who aren't really kids anymore!).

Funny how the years between us blur as we age mature.

We've marked so many life landmarks together...

I was her Matron of Honor when she was married so many years ago,

and I was in the delivery room when her daughter, Stephanie was born.

Stephanie's son is the same age as our grandson, and Diana's son,

Daniel is raising two young sons of his own. 

I've always enjoy our family visits when we travel north, and

Di and I have shared laughter, tears and so many, many memories.

Today, I'm writing about her because I want to celebrate another milestone in her life.

2012

Although I can't be physically with her today, my little sister is getting married.

Twenty plus years after her first marriage transformed from

a divorce into a friendship with her children's father,

she has found love again with someone new.

She and Tom found a home with each other. 

Today, 12/12/12, they will make their love and commitment official.

lisianthus bouquet

Diana told me that she is carrying a cascading bouquet of 

lisianthus in her favorite shades of purple and lavender.

I know that I'll have wedding photos to share with you soon enough, but

for today, I want to let them know how happy I am for both of them.

Congratulations, Diana and Tom.

This evening you will celebrate the beginning of your life together as

Mr. and Mrs.

Here's to wishing you a lifetime of new memories and joy.

May you love each other forever, and may you always find delight in each other.