Les Mis(souri) & the Prettiest Wedding Ever

ICYMI: Here is Part 1 of our vacation (The Great Tornado of 2014).

Thursday
Our alarms went off far too early Thursday morning.. after a good 3 1/2 hours of sleep, we were all up and getting ready to head to my Aunt Judy's house (the halfway mark to St. Louis and first stop of the road trip). Brandon's and my hope was that little Jackson would sleep the first 3 hours of the trip--well you know what they say about the best laid plans..

Bring on the bullet points and pictures.

• We drove a whopping hour before having to pull over so I could nurse Jax.
• Made it to Hays (which is where we hoped Jax would sleep to), went to close our old bank account, waited over a half hour for somebody to help us, (I) walked around with Jax, got frustrated & left, grabbed Arby's, and hopped back on the road. 
• Stopped in Salina to try closing our bank account again (there was another branch there)--waited only 10 minutes this time and got it closed. 
• Arrived at Aunt Judy & Uncle George's and chilled on the porch while we waited for the electricity to return (remember that little storm I mentioned? Yeah, they got it too). 
• Cheered and clapped when the electric guy came out to turn it back on.
• Dinner, visiting, and lots of laughing. 
• Jax's first sink bath!
  

  

  The best part of long road trips? Naps.

  

  Jackson and his Great Aunt Judy hit it off from the get-go!

  

  Aunt Judy's is one of my favorite places in the whole world.

  

  Aunt Judy, Jax, and Grammy (formerly known as Mimi--we're over it)

  

  Spoiled baby :)

Friday

• Another early wake-up call followed by goodbyes. 
• McDonalds stop in Kansas City. 
• Witnessed a drug transaction during a gas stop in Columbia, MO (the home of Brandon's beloved Mizzou.. ha). 
• Listened to Jackson scream bloody murder from the back seat during the final hour of the trip (we had to be in St. Louis for my friend's wedding rehearsal and were already cutting it close).
• Checked in to our beautiful hotel room, got ready, and let Jackson kick and play for about an hour.
• Wedding rehearsal/dinner for one of my dearest friends (and Jax's godmother), Turin. 
• Jackson's first time swimming! 
• Early to bed. 

Twizzlers: the official snack of any Annie road trip.

My boys in the room (we were greeted with beautiful goodie bags put together by mother-of-the-bride, Auntie Sharon).

I literally gasped when we walked into the church--it was breathtaking!!

Rehearsal dinner with Brandon, my mom, and our friends, the Porters (by the way, Nicole is crazy talented and makes the most beautiful signs and home decor--you MUST check out her shop! She designed amazing signs, favor bags, and centerpieces for the wedding).

The beautiful bride (center) and her maids.

Jackson has such a sweet and pretty god mamma!

Jax's first time in the pool! He didn't mind it too much--he enjoyed watching the other kids play.

Saturday

• Slept in (it was fabulous!) and enjoyed the hotel's yummy all you can eat breakfast.
• Took Jackson to hang out with the girls in Turin's hotel room. 
• Went to the salon and had my first ever blow out and makeover. 
• Headed to the church with the girls for pictures/to get ready. 
• Witnessed the beautiful wedding of Turin and Peter O'Brien. 
• Danced, drank champagne, and ate delicious cake at the reception.
• Headed back to the hotel at 11:30pm and crashed.

Tough life, kid.

During the blowout (before the makeover)..

..and after... I'm not a big makeup wearer and felt like Bette Davis in "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane."

I cried when I saw Turin in her dress for the first time--stunning!!

Turin and her dad, Ross.

The DJ began talking right as we were snapping this pic.. hence the big eyes.

The O'Briens!

First dance.

The centerpieces were so pretty! The wheat was from Turin's family farm and the breadboards had both the Hansen's & O'Brien's brand printed on them.

You two look great with a baby.. *hint hint*

Circa 2007, 2013, & 2014

The wedding was gorgeous (I felt like I was in a Pinterest board the entire time!), the bride & groom were perfect, and the company was fabulous.. all the makings of a perfect wedding! 

Our time in St. Louis was way too short but we made so many memories that we will cherish forever. Thank you to Turin & Peter for including us in your special day--you two are perfect for each other and I can't wait to see what God has in store for you two!

Have a great weekend, everyone! I'll be back on Monday with Baby Jax's 6 month update!!