Baby Sister Married a Mister.

The time has come, my friends. The time has come. My sweet baby sister is now officially a married woman! For seven years {{SEVEN YEARS!!!}} she has been going out with the "the boy from down the street" and on September 28, 2013, she became his wife.

Laurie and Justin have been going out together for so long, that he's really always seemed like a part of our family! We've had holidays, vacations, and everything else in between together with this boy. Over the years, he's dated her, and loved her, and we've come to love him just as much. They are perfect for one another! They've truly been through everything, and now they get to enter a whole new phase of life together.

HAHA! Remember this?? The drunken Vegas Wedding Prank

The last seven years have been fun, watching Justin try so hard to win over not only my sister, but the entire Cook family. Oh boy, do I have some stories!!! But, those stories are not mine to tell :) So instead, I'll just tell you about the happiest weekend I've witnessed in a long, long time :)

Wedding Weekend

The weekend before the wedding, Sis and I drove home to start preparing Lamar, CO for the best wedding in history. We were in full force decoration-making mode! By Thursday, {thanks to our awesome family and some stellar friends} we were pretty much finished with all the decorating of the reception hall. Thursday night, we had a huge party at Dad's house!! The party lights were strung, the BBQ grill was fired up, the fire-pit was blazing, and most importantly, the beer pong table was set and ready for action! The family was pouring in, and we were all happy as clams to cut loose and have a good time together.

Oh man, it's gonna be a long night!

Dad working hard

hours spent making centerpieces 

Finally finished!!!

Party time!!

Dad giving his speech :)

Friday morning, we had a nice little wedding shower for my sister.  It was so sweet watching her get so spoiled by all the amazing women in her life! She is one lucky lady to have so many people in her life that she can rely upon for anything.

Sister & her bridesmaids

Laurie & her new Aunt with her lovely bow-bouquet

That afternoon, we headed over to the church to decorate and go through rehearsal. Friday was a very emotional day. My sweet sister looked breathtaking in her flattering white dress. She donned Mom's wedding veil that we dug out of the hope-chest at home. We tried to keep it light, and laugh at the terrible 80's style of that vintage, and over-the-top veil-hat; but the truth of the matter is that she looked absolutely beyond precious, and it was an overwhelmingly powerful moment. We could all feel it. We held it together as best as we could, and just like show-biz-movies and life has taught us, "The show must go on".

Rehearsal 

Saturday morning was.... well, a lot was going on that day!
I was running around like a crazy person trying to make sure that every last little detail was under control, poor dad was taking orders like a champ, the bridesmaids were ready to pop open the champagne for mimosas, and the poor bride was in bed trying to get a little extra rest before her big debut. But somehow we all pulled it together and before we knew it we were ready and off to the church!

Dad trying to convince Roman to wear the famous Denim Suit.

Off to the church in style!

Moments before walking down the aisle. 

The ceremony was beautiful!!! Reverend Ian Blacker did such a wonderful job officiating the ceremony. I tried not to cry, but let's be real.... this was my baby sister's biggest day. And call me biased, but she really was the most amazingly beautiful bride there ever was.

Cheers!

Mr. & Mrs. Justin Alexander

After the photo session, we were off to the reception were we were all so warmly greeted by all our friends and family. The dinner (by my Uncle Carols and Auntie Brenda) was amazingly delish. The cakes by Yvonne Westhoff were not only beautiful, but delicious as well, and the whole party was just one of the best times I think our family has had. We laughed, we danced, we drank and ate. Everybody was Merry.

Sadly, our wonderful evening came to a close. The bride and groom were off!! (not to turn this entirely back to me, but I kind of felt like Julia Roberts in My Best Friend's Wedding when I watched the limo drive away. My sister--my best friend-- was leaving. And as happy as I was for her, a teeny, tiny part of me was a little bit sad. I know everyone keeps saying, "They've been together for 7 years, and have been living together for a few now...it's not gonna be that much different."  But it is different! She's no longer the little girl I get to look after and care for, and boss around! She's now her own woman who will only get to share half of the holidays with us from now on.  She's now apart of someone else's family. She now has some one else's last name. Don't get me wrong, I love the Alexander's, but it's still a strange thing for me to get used to. I guess it's just gonna take some time to get used to.

Overall, I couldn't be happier for Laurie & Justin. I love my sister more than anything in this world, and now, I have a pretty awesome brother-in-law, too!

Cheers, Kiddos!!

Oh CB, How Happy You Make Me.

Can this summer just get any better??? I honestly don't think so. To say that this has been my best summer yet, would probably be an understatement! ((And although by now, this story might be old news, I'm gonna write about it anyway, just because this is mostly my own diary and online time capsule, and I might want to look back at it one day!))

It had been killing me that it had been so long since my last visit to my beloved Crested Butte. It would simply not do to go into yet another season with that little gem of a place going untouched by my feet. Now that my 3-day weekends have gone back to two, it's been a bit harder to make a getaway, but you bet that the first one that became available, it was no question as to what I would do...

One of my favorite roads on earth. HWY 285S. Onward to life & adventure.

Friday afternoon, ((Aug. 9)) I packed my bags and my friend Katherine, and we were off :) It's been SUCH a HOT summer, so I loved every minute of our cloud-covered drive into the hills. We rode with the moon-roof open and enjoyed feeling the air gradually become cooler and cooler as we gained elevation. I had to make my obligatory photo stop at the top of Cottonwood Pass. ((I don't know how it became a tradition, but every single time I go over cottonwood, I simply have to stop, gaze, and take a photo. Same place. Same view. Yet somehow, it's different every time.)) I think the drive to CB is almost as good as the destination itself. Exactly four hours later, we arrived just in time for dinner at The Ginger Cafe. We got settled in at a friend's house with full bellies and I drifted off into the perfect, deep sleep without a care in the world.

I see You and your Glory that surrounds me when I'm high in the mountains you have created.
{{Cottonwood Pass}}

Made it home.

Saturday morning, we went on a nice little run in CB South, before heading up the mountain. After getting loaded up with my precious Camp 4 Coffee, it was off to find adventures. I was surprised with myself that during the time I lived in Crested Butte, and the summers since, I've never been to the summit of Mount Crested Butte. So, of course, that was just what we did. It was a great hike to the top, where we took in the amazing 360* views. We had all intentions of making the 4mile hike back down the mountain, but we were starving and getting tired. So about half way down, we caught the Red Lady Lift and enjoyed the easy ride back down :) We had lunch in town and I took advantage of the rest of the afternoon to walk around the town and show Katherine all my favorite places!

Summit of Mt. Crested Butte with the town below us!

Sunday morning, we suffered through the hour long wait for breakfast at Izzy's. As always, it was worth it. We drove up to Meridian Lake, and make a quick little hike to Long Lake. We were with my friend, Michael, and we were planning on meeting up with his friends who were already there. When we reached the lake, we couldn't see them in sight....but we did find a dilapidated old canoe.... The three of us (and Porkchop, Michael's golden retriever) piled into the canoe and began rowing. Only after a few meters into the journey, Katherine noted we were taking on water! We tried to row faster to make it, but it was apparent that we were going to sink. We made it to shore to dump out the canoe for another attempt, but Katherine bailed and it was a wise decision. Michael and I kept at it as the boat kept taking on more water... and just mere meters before reaching our destination the inevitable happened. Well, maybe it didn't totally sink, but I jumped out before it had a chance. I severely underestimated the depth of the water thinking it couldn't be that deep. Oh no, I was wrong. I was laughing as I dragged my sopping wet self out of the lake. We sunbathed on the shore while the children of Michael's friends played.

Sky-gazing. Does my soul good.

After a while, we hiked back down, We stopped along the way to admire the glorious wildflowers and pick wild raspberries. When we got back into town, we stopped for ice cream cones. We went back home for for a little nap & shower action. We had dinner at my favorite pizza joint, The Secret Stash where we met up with one of my dearest best friends, Angela!! Oh ya! we had so much fun eating, drinking, and catching up in the place where we first became friends exactly 6 years ago. It was the perfect Sunday-Funday.

Monday morning, it was early to rise for Katherine and me. We left CB at 4:30 am with big plans to conquer Mt. Shavano. We began our ascent at 6am. It was a long and grueling 7.5 miles with some moderate bouldering to make it to summit. At 14,236 feet, we made it!! This was the most difficult 14'er I'd done, but the views and feeling of accomplishment were worth every ounce of discomfort. We had every intention of trekking over the saddle to Mt. Tabeguache, but the thunderheads were building and were looking quite threatening, so as always, safety first.  We drank in the final moments of exhilaration and made the descent back down. Just as we reached the trailhead, the rain and thunder came. It was perfect timing, and confirmation of a wise decision.  Our bodies were tired as we loaded the car for the remaining 2.5 hour drive home.

Good morning, world.

It's like you could just reach up and touch a cloud!

Just hangin out on top of the world.

Last look back at Mt. Shavano as we descend

Monday night back in Denver. Back to reality. But really, I'm a lucky gal that gets to live in this beautiful city, and vacation in this picturesque little town. Oh, how I love my little pocket of paradise that is but a four hour drive away :) It is truly my favorite place in the world, and every day spent there, is a good day indeed. Until next time, Crested Butte. Thanks for always being a good friend to me.

Laurie's Final Fling!

I think I am still in a slight amount of denial that my baby sister is actually getting married in less than two months time...  But that hasn't stopped me from taking the reigns on helping her with her wedding planning, and especially going full force on a bitchin' bachelorette party!!!

Saturday, July 27; five of my sister's best girlfriends & I gave her a night that I will always remember, and quite possibly a night that my sweet little sis may never remember! haha

Let's get this party started!

We got a couple rooms at the Hyatt Downtown, and we kicked off the weekend with some casual cocktails and a lingerie shower. It was really fun watching her blush at her new undergarment wardrobe :)

Opening presents :)

Laurie & her girls after "How well do you know the Bride?"

Celebrating Sister!!

We got dressed up in our little black dresses with pink tiaras, while the bride looked stunning in her white ensemble, and we headed out for a night on the town! We started with dinner at Venice. I HIGHLY recommend this restaurant!!!! It was not only delicious, but the owner and our servers went absolutely above and beyond to make my sister's night a very special night indeed. Our very handsome server serenaded the bride, and very sweetly kissed her on the cheek. And after our meal, they served us the most delicious champagne!! It was such a treat!

Laurie's Entourage

A little serenade from the waiter :)

Cheers!

We then proceeded to tear up the town and follow her on her bachelorette "scavenger hunt", compliments of her BFF Kaley! A little bit of rain did not rain on our bar-hopping-parade! I am not gonna lie, I was absolutely thrilled that I was hanging around such a young crowd of girls with such a great excuse to get dressed up and go to the clubs in LODO that I have not been to in years! It's certainly not a typical Saturday night where I would go to dance clubs like Chloe, but we had such a blast I almost want to do it again :)

Shakin her tailfeather

We danced and drank, and had wayyyyy too many guys buying the beautiful bride too many drinks. It was basically what I imagined it would be, however it ended a bit ealier than I thought it would. But the true 28year old me was not mad about being back to the hotel before 1am!

We had brunch planned at the Rialto Cafe the following morning, but needless to say, I don't think anybody was feeling up to getting up and around for that! So instead, we checked out of the hotel, and drove the 1 mile back to my house. Thank goodness for random gloomy and rainy days in July! It was the perfect day for hanging out in sweatpants and being lazy on the couch. Which is exactly what my sister and I did for the rest of that Sunday. To be honest, that was my absolute favorite time of the whole weekend. We snuggled on the couch watching Nicholas Sparks movies, and I ate up every single minute of it. I absolutely cherish every moment I have alone with my sweet sister, especially now when I know that these moments are starting to become fewer and farther between. I played with her hair as she napped on my lap, and all I could think about was how full my heart is, and how lucky I am that I get to be her sister. She is truly my best friend, and maybe even my soul sister.

Best Friends Forever :)

In less than two months, my sweet little Sister will be a married woman. But that won't change a thing between us Cook kids. I hope we still do this when we are old ladies.