A "Smoking" Good Time

Last weekend we had a great time hosting, along with my brother and sister-in-law, a couple's shower for the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Scott Volkmann at my parent's house. In our world that would be Mr. and Mrs. "Wayne" Volkmann. I won't go into the story of the nickname here, but it is safe to say that most of you know who I'm talking about when I say "Wayne".

The group went in together and got the happy couple a new grill, a cookbook and the accessories they need to start cooking outdoors...okay, make that learning to cook in general, but either way the cookbook has pictures - how bad can it be?

I think it is safe to say fun was had by all and we really enjoyed getting everyone together for some pre-wedding drinks and celebration. Thanks to my parents for letting us host the party at their house and a big thank you to my sister-in-law for helping make the delicious dinner. Oh, yeah, and the biggest thank you of all goes out to my husband, Scott (aka Eddie - do you notice we have nicknames for all our Scotts???) and brother, Dean, for doing the charring, I mean, grilling. Okay, honestly you two, I tried to be nice and not say anything, but I just couldn't resist...after all it is all in good fun. Thank you to the Norton Shores fire department for NOT showing up when the hamburgers went on the grill and the smoke starting choking out our guests in the garage. Not to worry, folks, no oxygen was needed for anyone but the chefs and the burgers actually turned out awesome!! ...Giggle, giggle...No really, they did.

Scott and I have been lucky enough to get to know Jen and Wayne more and more these last few months. They often stop by for a drink or just to shoot the breeze or see the girls. We always have great conversations, even if we don't see eye to eye on the subject, and we always end up learning something more about each other, as individuals and as couples. Wayne is a lucky man to have Jen...she is an amazingly patient, soft-spoken young woman that is the perfect balancing act for Wayne, our social butterfly. She's level headed and organized and has a serious soft-spot for kids (oh, and did I mention she can't keep her eyes open for pictures like the one above...Sorry Jen, it was the only one we had!!). Jen is equally lucky...Wayne is an extrememly warm and loving young man that wears his heart on his sleeve. He'll have your back no matter the fight and he's incredibly loyal to his family and his loved ones. Together they make an adorable couple - a couple that we hope will have many, many years of marital bliss ahead of them. We wish them all the best today, tomorrow and always.

P.S. Stay tuned in October for pictures of the happy couple and their ADORABLE little flower girl (yep, you guessed it, their flower girl is our Sammi - Wayne's Godchild!!).