After a few days in Dallas following our Minnesota vacation, the Nelsongang was on the road again. This time it was to Delray Beach, Florida, for Cousin (and God Daughter) Tara’s wedding. Without doubt, it was the most over-the-top wedding bash we’ve attended. Over-the-top amenities included: fireworks on the beach, a vodka luge, a world-champion flair bartender, (what can only be described as) ex-strippers, and a cigar box full of something other than cigars. And that’s just what we remember.

In addition to the wedding, the kids enjoyed spending lots of time with Grandma Mary Kay, Aunt Linda, and Cousin Johnny both in Florida and in Dallas. All in all, it was a busy month, and we have lots of photos (or an impossibly long printer-friendly version). We were also able to cobble together a few bullet points:

• The first day in our Florida hotel room, Jack pulled mightily on the sliding glass door — unfortunately for him, it was locked. Cate “encouraged” him, saying: “Come on, muscles!”
• While in Florida, Jack developed a taste for 7-Up, or he’s at least developed a penchant for demanding it. So far, soda seems to be about the only drink he doesn’t immediately drain
• Jack discovered one of the perils of hotel life: “This TV can’t play, can’t pause, can’t skip [commercials]. I can’t believe it!”
• Upon our return from vacation, the kids went to the dentist. The hygienist discovered that Jack has a (slightly) loose tooth. She said it would likely take months before it falls out
• Jack was looking at an old family crucifix we hung in his room. Wistfully, he said: “I wish I could get this as an action figure.”
• Walking into the theater to see Ratatouille, Jack said: “I wish Quinn were here.”
• Watching a Swiffer commercial with Lisa, Cate parroted: “You know, the others let the dust go up in the air, and we don’t want that.” Another victim of marketing, but at least she comes by it honestly
• In Webkinz, Cate was very proud and excited to receive a message from another member. Reading that is was from “dogzrock98”, she commented in her most serious voice: “Yes, dogs DO rock.”
• Highlights from the kids’ annual check-up on the 26th:
  • Cate is 43 inches tall and 38 pounds
  • Jack is 44 inches tall and 39 1/2 pounds
  • It was only when he undressed that Lisa realized he had “gone commando.” He (lamely) explained that she had not laid out underwear for him
  • They had to get their fingers pricked for a blood test — he threw an absolute fit while she was fine

That’s it for now!

Lisa and Greg