as blixco mentioned, it was an amazing ceremony.  the scenery was stunning and it was such a beautiful day.  when our good friend atreides walked across the grass to take his place i truly wondered what kind of man with any good sense could be that happy.  i honestly don't think i have ever seen a smile that big.

after the ceremony, we retired to the reception area where blixco and i stomped through the crowds like buffalo in heat in search of pizza.  it wasn't so much that we were starving as that...well...we're a clumsy and brutish pair.  the pizza was fabulous and we were more than happy to fill our plates a time or two.  all of the alcohol was of texas origin.  all of the wines and beers.  i had my frist lone star.  a part of me died.

the dude was really pretty good!  he only made silly noises a little bit during the ceremony and that was at a distance since stacky stole him away to the "baby zone" when he got a little antsy.  he really dug the band, but in that way that says "i'm too hip for the room." and coming from the dude?  you have to believe it.

and yes, that drunken reprobate (and aforementioned buffalo in heat) did try to run me off the road in his low-slung pile of japanese evil.  what he didn't expect?  countermeasures.  every good german diesel vehicle has them.  let's just say he spent most of his time in my rearview mirror.  suckah!

but dr. L?  she's fabulous.  seriously.

as a final word on the imperial event, i hope that the bride and groom look at those pictures and are able to stash away some of that happiness for a rainy day.  becuase with smiles like that, the rain hasn't got a chance.

our weekend in austin actually started with some bad news:  stacky's cousin's daughter had been throwing up since about 5 a.m. on saturday and that pretty well put an end to crashing at their place.  a hotel costs money but every penny that keeps my boy clear of stomach flu is well spent.  the dude didn't dig the drive out there, but once we got to the hotel, he was full of giggles. 

we got something to eat at denny's and were very sorry for it later.  ye gods.  we also grabbed a quick nap with the dude post-lunch.  then we hooked up with stacky's cousin and headed to the hundred acre wood.  it was a pile of people listening to live music and some crafty stuff.  it was ok. i spend most of the time talking books with the cousin.  he and i have a lot in common and when he mentions a book i haven't read, it goes to the top of my list.  that list of "why in the hell haven't i read this and how did i miss it???"

then we got dinner at the whole foods mothership. 

pre-wedding, we went and bought me a shirt because my wife moved it and i assumed that meant that it was packed.  i was wrong.  then we hung out around town and hiked some neighborhoods.  we saw a lot of houses we couldn't afford that were too small.  but it was a great walk.  all of us love wandering around.

then there was the wedding.  it was awesome!

after the wedding, we hit bookpeople and then crashed.  it was a wild night with bedtime right around 8:30 pm.  we were all worn out.  having kids?  it changes things.

this morning we got out of town early.  rain was rolling in and we knew that the carseat was starting to try the dude's patience.  i have never seen a baby so happy to be home!  the minute we got in the door he was almost manic with joy.  and now he's asleep.  and that sounds like a great plan.

once again, our best to our emporer and his fantastic bride!