Dad was the best man and gave a nice toast to them. Bill also spoke during their reception, specifically thanking me for my calligraphy of the addresses on their invitations, which was an unexpected but fun surprise. =) Bill is a major Green Bay Packers fan, and his groom’s cake appropriately reflected that. He and Jill had rehearsed an awesome dance for their reception, and his Saturday Night Fever style stole the show. He autographed some 8x10 pictures from that night as "Disco Billy" and gave them to us at that year’s Super Bowl Party. These guys make me laugh so much!
Only three days after that wedding, my parents were in a terrible car wreck (photo below) as they began their drive home from Vegas. Mom’s knee and forehead were cut badly, and her shoulder was also injured. They brought her to the Vegas Hospital via MedFlight helicopter, and Bill and Jill were the first to arrive. (Rachael was pregnant with Jace at the time. She and I had already flown back to Oklahoma, and Dad tends to downplay how bad things are when he talks to us... but Bill and Jill kept us updated with full details and assured us we did not need to fly back there.) They spent the better part of their honeymoon days standing by Mom's hospital bed, bringing her whatever she needed, and helping and comforting both my parents as they recovered. And I cannot adequately express my gratitude for that!
In summer 2017, I joined my parents and Bill and Jill on a trip to Niagara Falls and New York City! Jill worked as a travel agent in the past, so she planned things for us and knew all the best sights and activities. It was my first zipline experience and helicopter ride, and the entire trip was fantastic, among my favorite vacations ever. I love that I never felt out of place as a young adult traveling with my parents and another couple their age, and it’s because they feel more like family to me now!!
❤❤❤
Ever since I can remember, Dad has been part of a fantasy football league. It is him and his three closest friends, Bill, Bill, and Rick! The winner hosts that year’s Super Bowl party for all the families. At halftime, they do a trophy presentation, usually accompanied by entertaining commentary from the guys. =)
...They all met during their college days, so they have been friends for over 40 years now. This means they have seen each other through marriages, divorces, moves, big celebrations, and unimaginable losses. In February 2008, Rick's oldest son and my Dad's father died on the same day. It was the first time I fully appreciated the value of those longstanding friendships... seeing all four of those men standing together at both funerals that week was almost more than my heart could take!
...They all met during their college days, so they have been friends for over 40 years now. This means they have seen each other through marriages, divorces, moves, big celebrations, and unimaginable losses. In February 2008, Rick's oldest son and my Dad's father died on the same day. It was the first time I fully appreciated the value of those longstanding friendships... seeing all four of those men standing together at both funerals that week was almost more than my heart could take!
(This pic was at Bill and Jill's wedding.)
This August, the guys all rode the rapids together to celebrate my dad’s 65th birthday! Jill and I followed them, taking pictures all along the way. =) Debbie brought some old photos of the guys that we passed around at dinner, then we listened to them tell stories and laughed and had a blast! =)
I am deeply thankful for these men and their families, and for the years of solid friendship we have all been blessed to share in! We have so many fun memories together, including holiday events, birthdays, vacations, cookouts, weddings, and Super Bowl parties. But what I love most is the way they come through for each other in the hard times… that they show up for the funerals and the hospital stays and the moves and the difficult projects. The stability of these family friendships means a lot to me - it is such a gift from God! ❤
Anyway, a very Happy 7th Anniversary to Bill and Jill!!
Thanks for being awesome people and great friends to our whole family! =) (*And bonus points for recommending Mon Ami Gabi, which has become my favorite restaurant! lol)
(This last pic = dinner at The Ranch Steakhouse last night... yum!)
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