I do .. I did ... well neither - but I went

It was a tough decision.

Stay up on the mountain, watch some Alfred Hitchcock videos .... or (drum roll) - go to a wedding reception / crash a wedding receiption with Mom and Dad (ok - I was the one technically crashing).

I chose the later.  So after Pilates and 2 Diet Red Bulls - it was into the GI Jane (the Tahoe) and over the lake and through the woods to Spokane ('Can, Spok-a-Veg, GEG ...).

Now the very best thing about this idea - was I would get to go to yet another wedding reception with my parents (there are only a few other things that make me smile as genuinely and big and laugh as watching my parents dance and just spend time with their friends) as well as see so many people from the area I grew up (literally where they have known me since I was protruding out in Mom's belly - it's what happens when you are going to be born close to 10 lbs).

On the drive down - the two Red Bulls were not cutting it - so a quick stop for a diet Mountain Dew and it was CAFFEINE ON ... wedding reception here we come!  I even showered for the "big event."

A few observations - there is nothing like walking into the ballroom and to your immediate right... like magic... was one of the bar stations.  Blue Moon on tap with requisite orange for Gares and Jules and my first glass of I lost count premium boxed wine.  I meant to take a photo of the three of us - but it was probably smart that I left my Blackberry in GI Jane. 

However - here is what my dress looked like this morning when I woke up at way too early after getting home way too late... Gares & Jules - you party animals!

It then became a 4 hour "homecoming week" - loved seeing everyone.. the bride was stunning and it was an awesome reminder of how great it has been to grow up in a small town.  The toasts were heartfelt - funny and exceptionally special.  I think that might be the only reason I will ever get married - to hear toasts about me and my beloved!  Okay... the presents would be a nice upside / bonus as well .... okay, okay - and any excuse to throw a big ole party; well, there are certainly worse things!

We all nibbled on a surprisingly lovely and good buffet food (good job hotel peoples!!) ... and then it was the whole throw the bouquet (no - did not participate), the garter (nope), the first dance (nope), and the list goes on.  They also did the married couples dance (nope) - Mom and Dad made it towards the top end (with Dad doing his little bounce step, making it all up as he goes - I think it's a combination between the two-step, the Fox Trot and a sprained ankle) with their 40th just a bit over a month away. 

As the booze flowed - the dancing picked up.. and the DJ really got into his "DJ / radio voice" (you know what I'm talking about if you've been to many wedding receptions).  The highlight of the night?  Dancing with Mom and Dad to Sweet Caroline and "shouting" the singalong words (only to all wake up this morning with scratchy throats) followed by the Y-M-C-A!  Classic! 

And then Elvis left the building... another box checked!