here but not here

I am blessed beyond measure to have the giant, loving family that I do. This includes my grandmother Ilene, my mom Ginger and her husband Michael, my dad Chuck and his wife Michelle, my step-sister Karen with Tom and their children, my sister Trudee with Jimmy, my brother Andrew with Sierra and my sister-in-law Heather with Adrienne. I am so excited to add Aaron's mom and dad Cathy and Wayne, his Nanny Barbara, and his sister Hilary with TJ to my incredible family.

When we set the date, we had a couple of things in mind. We thought it sweet and romantic to get married close to the anniversary of our meeting (July 10). We *thought* we were missing the usual library tradeshow that I go to every summer (turns out it was the same weekend). We checked in with family and friends on the schedule - but who plans that far ahead!?

Somehow the universe has decided against us where sister-attendance is concerned. Sierra has a school requirement that cannot be made up. Hilary and TJ are not able to make the long trek from India after all. And of course, there's always Rose here in my heart. (Sounds cheesy but how else can you say it?) Aaron's grandfather Pipi has the same place in his.

All of this could not have been avoided, but I tell ya, there is no greater drama than setting the date. We are disappointed, of course, and we considered and re-considered dates and/or time travel in every case. We very much wish you could all be here to smile and sing along with us. We miss you already.