Mike and Brittney's Wedding!

Last weekend, we drove to Virginia for a very special occasion: my cousin Mike married his longtime girlfriend Brittney!

We first drove to NoVa to spend some time with Nonno and Nonna. The highlight of our visit was visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History.

Sammy has been glued to a rock and gem book that we bought him recently, so seeing the Hope Diamond was on his little person's bucket list! Actually, Sammy recognized countless rocks and gems in the large exhibit. It was exciting!

Brie and I agreed that we both want one of these! ;-)

 

Sebastian found the whole museum exhilarating. He sprinted from exhibit to exhibit...gasping when he saw something that he liked. It was darling.

 

Jaws!

On Friday afternoon, Tony and I left the kiddos with his parents, and drove to Richmond...where we got all dolled up for Mike and Brittney's rehearsal dinner. It was lots of fun to reunite with our cousins! Here are Josh (who came from Australia!), me, Mike the groom, Beth and Phillip (Mike's brother and the Best Man). (Joel and Paul could not make it. They were missed!)

Brunch at Baker's Crust the next morning! It was delicious and we felt very lucky to share our meal outside!

Then we went back to our hotel to rest up and get dressed up!

The handsome groom and best man.

The beautiful bride and the rings!

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Itzkowitz!

During the post-ceremony cocktail hour, we explored Dover Hall Estate. The mansion is only a few years old, but was built to feel like an old home. Even the terraces were pretty!!

Celebrating family with family!

The wedding wrapped up with sparklers. What a fun evening! We're so happy for Brittney and Mike!

Meanwhile...back at the ranch, Tony's folks took the kids to ToysRUs and then to dinner at a diner. Don't you love how intently Sebastian is drinking this chocolate milkshake??

The morning after the wedding, Tony's parents were kind enough to drive the kids to Richmond, so everyone could see them. We all enjoyed brunch together (even the bride and groom joined us)! 

Here's to our first "cousin wedding" in five years...and the first of three we'll get to enjoy this year. One fabulous celebration (and new addition to our family) down, two to go!