Oh where to begin? It was such a fun and funny weekend that seemed more like a week. As you may recall, the boys were ring bearers (although they actually “beared” nothing) in their first wedding and I was a nervous wreck.
We live a short drive from the wedding location which is also one of my most favorite cities – Boston! I went to Boston University and some of my best memories are from that time and in that city. I also ran the Boston Marathon in 2007 which was one of the best racing moments ever. But this weekend we were there to celebrate my cousin and his bride as they exchanged vows at the Arlington Street Church.
Have you ever seen a more mischievous smile? Nothing good can come from that look, can it?
We met up with my dad, stepmom, my brother and his wife and kids when we first got into town. Just as we were walking into the restaurant to greet them Vaughn turned to me and proceeded to puke all over the floor. Oh boy. Here we go, I thought. I have no clue what prompted this and the people sitting having lunch right next to the whole scene were none too pleased. They must not have kids. My husband was busy apologizing to them and I was busy trying to have him project his puke anywhere but his new coat and my boots! Like any four year-old, as soon as he got it all up, he was fine and we went on with the afternoon. I tried to not read too much into that. Surely that was not a sign of things to come…
The rehearsal actually went really well. I mean they were acting as though the church was a gigantic playground but when they had to walk down the aisle with their other little buddy, it went off without a hitch! Then Vaughn had to go to the bathroom. Usually not a big deal however, he didn’t pull his pants down all the way and then sat on the toilet and started peeing all over his pants and when I swooped in to try and pull his legs and pants out of the way well that left the wall & floor open for his seemingly never ending stream of pee! What the hell?? In 10 seconds he managed to get his underwear, pants, the wall and the floor of the church bathroom soaked with urine. Oh I tell you people, I am living the dream! You really haven’t lived until you’ve mopped up piss in your knee-high suede wedge boots while your hubs stands in the doorway laughing his ass off. Lovely.
Onward to the rehearsal dinner which was so amazing, it made me almost forget I was just ankle deep in toddler pee.
We dined overlooking Fenway Park. Not too shabby.
A table for two princes…
…to act like kids. They had a ball. Horrible pun intended. Deal with it,
Is there anything they can’t make a cake of these days?
The next day we wanted to tire them out let them have a great time so we went to the Children’s Museum before the 4:30 wedding:
They did some construction work…
Sang a duet…
…and then we tried to leave them on the dock…but they followed us. Vaughn must be able to track the scent of his own pee like an animal.
After a long day of walking, whining and playing it was showtime! I waited until the last moment to get them into their white outfits. They got such a kick out of the socks and the bow tie and they absolutely loved the hats!
We took this just before I left my hubs to try and keep them quiet and clean until it was time to walk down the aisle. SUCKER!!!!
Then, all I could do was wait and see what happened. I couldn’t believe the moment of truth was upon me. I needed a drink. I checked my phone 387 times to make sure my video function hadn’t spontaneously disappeared. All the briberies were in place: they got a toy for doing so well at the rehearsal, Meme reminded them…ahem, they actually reminded Meme of the $5 promise and they had a promise of yet more toys if they just behaved!! It all seemed so insane as I sat there. I mean, really. They’re four. They look freakin adorable. They will walk down the aisle just fine and it will be a great moment. I got out my kleenex and braced myself for yet another mommy milestone. It did not disappoint.
They stopped to give a shout-out to “Papi,” aka my dad who is their hero. Miles had to boss everyone around a little (but thank God no violent threats!) and their little faces lit up when they saw me.
Just like that, it was over. I was crying. They did a great job and definitely stole the show. I realized that so many “mom moments” are like that for me. All my fears usually don’t come to pass. The real scary stuff happens when you least expect it. This was a fun time, a memory being made and how lucky I am to be here to witness it. Life was good.
Now the part I somehow didn’t think about was how the hell I was going to keep them quiet through the rest of the ceremony when we were sitting in the third row! Yeah, not happening. They were liked caged animals and were in love with the sound of their voice echoing in the church with words like “Aw nuts!” and telling each other repeatedly to “shhhhhhhhhhhh,” ironically as loudly and with as much spit as possible. As soon as the distraction of the first reading happened, I high tailed it to the back of the church where they could be somewhat contained.
The rest of the night was an absolute blast! Our whole family was there and, after the kids went up to bed, my husband and I got to dance and drink and laugh and just live in the moment.
I had told my cousin that my wedding gift to him would be a visectomy. “Don’t have kids!” I yelled at him as I made my way out of the bathroom on rehearsal night. But the truth is, that’s the good stuff, that’s when life really begins. I hope they have triplets.
What was the best wedding you’ve been too and why? Have you ever had to clean up a public bathroom (or any public area) after your kids?
Love this, Allie! Yes, children truly bring the good stuff in life! As much as my girls drive me crazy sometimes (ok, every single day), I could not imagine my life without them! Your boys look adorable. And, sadly, yes, I’ve cleaned up puke & pee all over this great nation! Thankfully little girl pee doesn’t have the same reach!
Ha ha – so true!!! Thanks Nicole. It really was a great weekend.
I am so glad you stopped for each and every moment…even those that, well, weren’t so fabulous. It is a lesson we all need to remember each and every day. I am glad it worked out and you got some Mommy time, too!
You gave me great advice. It was very hard at times of course, but I really made a point to look at the big picture and it helped tremendously! Thank you!!
So glad everything went off without a hitch and I loved you line at the end. Seriously, having kids is truly where all the fun does begin!! 🙂
It’s really so true but, like a lot of things, you can’t imagine how great it is until you have your own. It’s going to be a great journey for them and they’re just beginning! Weddings are great like that. Thanks Janine!!
Looks like you have a great time! Such adorable family
Thank you so much. It really was a great time!
I’ll have to check out your squat challenge! Sounds like my kind of challenge…
They are soooo cute! I love it when we can dress them up when they are little like that! I’m glad your worst fears didn’t come true. They never do but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.
You’re so right – preparation is key!! Dressing them up so fun especially because they really enjoyed it. They thought those long socks were hilarious.
So glad that everything went well! I mean, at the wedding. The vomiting and the peeing is totally something that would happen to me! I love Boston. It will always hold a special place in my heart. So glad you had a great time!
Thanks Christine. It was so great to be in Boston so that before and after the wedding we could explore the city with the kids. It was the best of both worlds!
ohmygosh. I giggled when I saw them coming and how their faces LIT UP as soon as they saw you!! they were so insanely adorable!! What is it with boys and echoes? oh my goodness. my boy does the SAME thing!! I just love the suspenders. so handsome!
OH how I giggled at the Aw, NUTS! I think my boy would have said something along the lines of “Are you kidding me?!” lol!
I can’t believe that there was so much puke and pee involved…actually I can. I am happy that it happened before the wedding. The venue for the reception dinner looks so nice!! I have to make that a stop when I get to Boston one day 🙂
You look fantastic btw, that lace dress is fantastic!! You know I was totally looking forward to this and it DID NOT disappoint!!
Thanks so much Nellie! Yes, I wasn’t prepared for the yelling and and shush-ing – there is definitely something about little boys and being loud!!
Thanks for the compliment on my dress. It was actually really comfortable too!
So glad you can relate to all the boy things! They are messy and loud but just so damn cute.
Awwww. I love this!! Your kids are adorable and I’m so glad it went off without a hitch. Their little faces really did light up when they saw you!! Also you looked so pretty in your dress! 🙂
Thanks Brittany! We really had such a great time and I was so proud of them for doing a good job. The dress was really comfortable too which is almost more important then how it looks. Thanks again!
So there was a little drama, it sounded like it all worked out. I’m so sorry that that you wound up with all of the bodily fluids but as the mom it always seems to be that way.
Your boys looked adorable! Glad it was a fun experience overall.
Thanks Melissa! Bodily fluids are just a part of a mom’s life but this was a little much…even for me. At least it all happened prior to the wedding.
OMG. This had me laughing out loud:
“You really haven’t lived until you’ve mopped up piss in your knee-high suede wedge boots while your hubs stands in the doorway laughing his ass off. Lovely.”
Unfortunately, boy piss doesn’t go away as they get older. Just this morning, Ry was getting in the shower and started giggling and told me he peed on his leg. Oh, the glamorous life of a mom!!!
But you looked gorg at the wedding!!
Good to know! Ugh. Thanks Mary!! Glad I could give you a laugh this morning.
Y’all are the most gorgeous family I have ever seen!! And I am so jealous that you got to eat overlooking Fenway! That is awesome! And your children are simply fantastic…I wish I could have had them in my wedding! :)-Ashley
You are the sweetest!! What a compliment. I so wish we could have been at your wedding. I’m sure it was amazing!! Being at Fenway was pretty cool, I must admit, and of course the kids loved it! Thanks again Ashley.
I have two little boys so I have wiped off many toilet seats in private and public bathrooms!
Yep, you get it!! Mine still sit to pee so I can only imagine what kind of mess they will make when they stand!
I am so glad the puke was only once! I was so scared you were going to write about the dreaded bug and how you all got it and gave it to the whole wedding! Sigh. Only in movies, let’s hope.
The video was too cute for me. I need to eat something salty right now to offset the sweetness I just witnessed! They looked marvelous!
Ha ha – that was good Tamara!
I was also afraid it was something more too but I actually think he was just overly excited. The whole thing turned out so much better then I ever imagined.
How fun! You all looked fabulous (love your dress). Glad everything went off without a hitch. I can remember my brother’s wedding–my husband was out of the country and I had a speaking part. My son was about 20 months at the time and it was nap time–he was a loud, fussing mess and there was nothing I could do b/c I couldn’t leave the church before I had to do my reading! I felt terrible, but of course, anyone with kids understood. A fun day in the end, though!
Thank you! I’m so glad you shared your story b/c I felt like the kids were SO loud but I couldn’t make a bigger scene by getting up and leaving. I felt trapped for a minute there. I know anyone with kids understands but there were a lot of young people there with no kids!! Oh well…
Thanks again.
Those boys are too cute!!! I love the happiness as they made their way down the aisle – the waves and smiles are priceless!!
Glad the puking was one and done – not the way you want to spend any weekend but especially a travel/wedding one!
And, the peeing – I have been in that exact position – I reached in and tried to angle the weapon down only to end up with pee all over myself, too – I DO NOT MISS those days!!!
That rehearsal dinner venue is incredible and the cake is beyond any I’ve ever seen.
Finally (sorry – so much greatness in your post!) – y’all look phenomenal and you are smokin’ hot in that dress!!!
Keep it coming Kim – I love it!! Ha ha – thank you so much. I know you totally get the pee thing. Ugh! The worst part is I have many more years of this to come. I’m so proud of them though, they really did great. Thanks again!!
OH MY GOODNESS! To say they were the cutest ever is an understatement. I couldn’t wait to see how they would be since I read your last post about talking about what to do, etc. I loved how things turned out so much better than you thought. You were so well-prepared. What a pro! You’re a superstar at handling twin boys!
Thank you so much!! I’ve learned a lot about “handling” them in the past five years. I don’t feel quite like a pro yet but I’m getting there. Thanks again – they really were so darn cute!!
So cute and hilarious! I’ve totally had to deal with cleaning up my boys pee from the floor (thankfully, never in a public bathroom)and him wetting his pants from the sit down pee.
They did such a great job. You guys looked great. You were shooting lots of bullets with your fabulous guns Allie. Your arms are amazing 🙂
Love that last line Hope!! You are too funny. Thank you so much!
I laughed out loud at “tire them out.” I pull that on the regularly. Matter-of-fact it’s the only reason I leave the house on Saturday’s. My main goal is to run my daughter ragged. Ha! Sad but true.
I try and I try but it never seems to work! My kids just don’t get tired. The only thing that really gets them is going to the beach so in the winter here I have to settle for the pool at the Y. Thank God for that!!
Thanks Andrea!
They were so cute! All of your fears and not a one of them happened. I mean, you didn’t even expect to clean pee up all over the church floor and you *got* to do that.
Oh, gosh, it’s been so long since I’ve been through this. Grandkids are great because when they pee all over stuff I just call their mom and tell her I’m tired (which is hysterically funny because most women my age have kids my grandkids age but she totally hasn’t caught on) can she please come get them…and oh, by the way. I do remember that my oldest boy (and middle child) was pretty fascinated with playing with his poo. I’d find it everywhere. One day I opened up their nightly childrens bible story book and in between the pages was shit. I guess he didn’t like that book all that much.
OMG that is awful!! Luckily that’s one disgusting thing my boys don’t do but I have a few friends whose kids do and it’s really gross. I’ll take pee over poop any day!
Thanks Carla! I hope that little trick keeps working with your daughter:-)
Oh the puke and the pee – no story is complete without puke and pee! So glad that everything went without a hitch! You seriously have the cutest little guys!!! Nothing can replace the fun, joy and the drama your kids bring you:)
Isn’t it the truth? Only another mom can understand all it entails so I know you completely “get it!” Thanks so much Leah.
I agree with Leah! No kids story is complete without puke and pee! But they did great! And they look adorable in the video! And I’m glad you had one of those awesome mom moments in the midst of all of this! Success!
Me too!! The puke and pee comes with the territory but this time it led to an extraordinary moment for me so I’ll take it!! Thanks Ilene.
I’m so glad you shared the video – too freaking adorable! The best wedding I ever attended was my own, but my sister’s was a close second. So much fun, even though I didn’t have a drop of alcohol while everyone else partied it up. I thought I might be pregnant for the first time, and turns out I was 🙂
I agree that my favorite wedding was definitely my own! Luckily for me I didn’t have to attend any while pregnant with the twins:-)
So glad it went well. Other than that whole barf thing, but that’s what the day before is for, right? My nephew had his Bar Mitzvah party at that same location, such a fun place.
Absolutely!
How cool that you celebrated at the same place. It’s so nice up there overlooking the park & the food was good too! Thanks Karen.
“Oh, I tell you people, I am living the dream” was hilarious. I have two boys and man, can they go! So glad it all turned out well. That video was adorable…the socks, the waving, oh my goodness you are a lucky mamma!
Ah yes, the joys of boys! Thanks Stephanie. It all worked out and everything was worth it to see those little faces.
This was too adorable Allie! I am so glad you included the video for us!
You definitely needed the visual!! Thanks Joi.
OKAY TOO CUTE – SERIOUSLY – I am loving those hats too! ha ha ah! 😀
I remember when I was little, I was a lot of people’s flower girl!!! All those puffy/fluffy dresses! I always had WAY TOO MUCH FUN that I would fall asleep the second the dinner party came around… Only to wake up after an hour nap to WRECK HAVOC! LOL! I remember one wedding my siblings and I were in the wedding and my brother’s pants… came up to his KNEES! LOL!!!! They only figured this out about an hour before the wedding so they have an EMERGENCY seamstress come and to be honest, I don’t remember what happened after that – I was like 5 years old. LOL! Needless to say, that couple is STILL together! lol
OMG that is hilarious about the pants…not for the bride but hey, it makes for a good story!
The boys tried raising a little hell at the reception but they were only there for about an hour before it was bedtime. They crashed hard too! We stayed in the room with the babysitters until the boys fell asleep. It took less then 10 minutes. Gotta love it.
So many things to comment on! First, I have had to clean up numerous bathrooms because of pee or otherwise so I feel your pain. I am impressed that after Vaughn puked, you didn’t go into an all out panic. That video! Love, love, love! They are adorable and that family picture…what a beautiful family, My favorite wedding was one where Nico was a ring bearer. He was three. I was standing up in the wedding, too so Leo had to be in charge of getting him down the aisle. I just got to watch from the altar. 🙂 And on a completely off topic, side note, I have a very good memory of Boston College though I have never stepped foot on it. I kissed a boy that went there. What a spring break that was! 🙂
So great on so many levels!! You must have been crying watching your son come down the aisle. How great that you didn’t have to be the one to keep him quiet either – ha ha.
Thank you so much for all your compliments on our family. I look at that picture and still cannot believe I have twin boys. Life is crazy.
Love the BC story! One of my best friends went to BC and it’s an amazing school and campus.
Thanks so much for sharing!!
How adorable! Sounds like loads of fun except for the puke part. Nope, never had to deal with that. Even at home the hubs cleaned the mess and I did the mommy thing! Thanks for sharing my SITS Day yesterday!
How lucky for YOU! I’m happy to hear it.
SITS days are just so great. It’s hardly fair that we only get one:-) Hope you enjoyed yours.
Just stopped in after seeing you on Another Mother Runner – loved your blog about the wedding weekend. My husband and I took our four kids to San Francisco for my brother-in-law’s wedding. The jet leg, running around helping with last minute wedding plans, etc wiped our kids out the second night we were there – two days before the wedding. A happy hour had been planned b/w both families so that everyone could meet since both families are spread out on east and west coast. We didn’t stay long with our kids, it was crowded, food not appropriate for our kids, so we headed back to the hotel, stopping in a restaurant along the way. Shortly after the meal arrived, my 3 y/o, who was sitting on my lap, projectile vomited all over me and her. Before I could react, she started up again so I grabbed the basket that had her meal in it, dumped it on the table and caught the rest of it. We immediately started cleaning up as best we could, the waiter came over to help as I was taking the basket over to the trash, telling him I apologized for throwing it away but didn’t want to gross anyone out by its contents. I thought that was the end of it, and we managed to get through the next couple of days, sans vomited. However, on the plane home, she threw up again, this time not as much, but all over her pants. And in the craziness of leaving for an early morning flight, I forgot to pack a change of clothes in my carryon for the plane – this has always been my #1 rule when flying with kids – make sure to have an extra set of clothing. She ended up wearing my son’s sweatshirt that was so long on her it looked like a dress. We had a layover in Denver, so I bought her a pair of overpriced pants in a gift shop to get us home from there, thank God
And LOVED the video of the boys. My oldest two kids were a “junior” bridesmaid and groomsman in the wedding, and the younger two were a flower girl and ring bearer. I didn’t take a video of the walk down the aisle but it was just as cute as yours and definitely tear jerking! Your boys did a great job! And so adorable!
Wow – now THAT is a crazy story!! I’m so glad you all survived. I totally understand how you would forget clothes when you need them most. It has happened to me for sure. Thank you so much for reading and commenting. I loved reading your story – OMG!!!
Your boys are adorable! A vasectomy…lol! What did he say?
Thank you! My cousin just laughed and shook his head. He knows me well enough to laugh those things off! He’s also a big supporter/reader of my blog so he totally “gets it.” Love him.