Ah!
Sweet, sweet Sawah. The baby of the Gunn family. A crowning jewel, really. That girl has got kindness, spirituality, humility, and happiness down to a T. She has had her fair share of trials in her very few years, and they have only made her more beautiful ... inside and out. I don't think there is a single person out there who could have anything bad to say about Miss Sarah Gunn.
I remember when I first met the Gunn family. I was terrified. You see, there were just
so many of them, and most of them so much older and wiser than I was. Used to being the oldest in my family, I felt quite inadequate. Luckily, Sarah bunked up with me for that trip, and that girl calmed my heart and made me feel at home. She just ... has that way about her. And then through the years she's let me doll her up and talk her ear off, and loved me in spite of it. She is one dynamite gal ... and I've only known Sarah six years, so imagine what her siblings feel for her! I can attest to the fact that they all adore her. I don't think a single one of them escaped a little emotion at that wedding.
The day started bright and early. At 6 a.m., Katie, Ashlee, and I combined forces to primp and polish this little Gunn girl. We used to do that for her high school dances, so it was extra special to sit down in that little basement bathroom once more and send her up -- this time -- to the man that matters. Sarah was just so content; I'm pretty sure we could have settled for clown makeup and a pony tail and she would've been happy. "I just wanted to spend some time with my sisters-in-law, and make sure everything about this day was a family event," she said.
I love her.
We then rallied the troops (40 people in the immediate family ... including spouses and kiddos), and took some pictures. My kids proved to be the worst of them all, ("I only smile to Mommy's camera!" sobs Mac) but hopefully they managed to get a couple of shots with everyone in the frame.
And indeed, both of them were more than satisfied to smile for my lame little phone.
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If ever I couldn't find Belle that morning, I would just whistle for Molly the dog. Belle was sure to follow.
Molly is a top notch babysitter. |
We were then treated to a breakfast of champions with sausages, egg casseroles, a fruit bar, and a crepe bar in the gorgeous setting of the Gunn's back yard.
So good. Of course. Chris Gunn was in charge of it all, and Chris does not do anything halfway.
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| Please note Molly, Sarah's dog/appendage standing guard at her feet. |
Each table was then in charge of a themed bag of gifts. Grandpa Rand put together some hilarious little poems to go with each presentation, and Sarah's girl cousins added a song. Then Rachelle got up and spoke about her sweet baby sister, choking me up a little. Adam followed, representing the Gunn brothers with a hilarious poem ... that had
Mark in tears! It was the fourth time in the seven years I've known him that I've ever saw him cry. He later said,
"It's just ... Sarah's a real sweetheart and she's been through a lot. She deserves to be happy, and I think she will be."
The breakfast ended with them cutting the cake ...
pancakes I mean! Sarah isn't much of a cake fan (it's one of those no-sugar Gunn things, I suspect), and Adam adores pumpkin pancakes ... so there you have it!
Then came a little open mic morning ... Adam's family is quite musical; it was so fun to hear them all. He comes from a solid, candid, fun-loving family as far as I can tell, and that boy will no doubt be a fantastic addition to this massive Gunn clan. I am
really happy they have each other.
After all their favorite songs were sung, we parted ways to prep for the temple.
The ceremony was a special one, particularly as Spencer Gunn's presence was strongly felt. I know he was there watching his baby girl be sealed for time and all eternity to her sweetheart.
And finally, memorable exit ... they left the temple in 115 degree weather and a rainbow of umbrellas!
We sure love you, Sarah and Adam! We are looking forward to being one big fat eternal family together. Congratulations.
