Vow Renewal and Ava's Dedication

Two weekends ago, on the 19th, Kristi and I threw a little party to celebrate a bunch of things:

• Kristi and I have been friends for 18 years.
• We've been married for 10 years.
• We now have a beautiful daughter, Ava, that we dedicated to God.

But the party ended up being a celebration of something else that we hadn't intended; something that, it turns out, is just as valuable and precious and the list above. It was a celebration of our friends and family.

• Andi took it upon herself to spend untold hours coordinating the preparation of the event, and also worked her magic baking scones and cupcakes.
• Nick gave us the best part of a day building a large cross for our centerpiece.
• Taylor brought his camera equipment and took amazing pictures of the event.
• Jan saved material from Kristi's wedding dress for 10 years, and with it made a beautiful christening dress for Ava.
• My Dad lent us his truck to pick up the chairs and tables.
• Ray, Lewis and Devon helped load the chairs and tables into the truck.
• Roger returned the chairs and tables for us on Monday morning.
• My Mom made hors d'oeuvres for the spread.
• Karyn and Megan took turns wrangling Ava so Kristi and I could stand up for the ceremony.
• Rick brought sound equipment so we could have music and everyone could hear.
• Mark brought his camera and filmed the ceremony.
• Dave flew in from Michigan to officiate.
• And so many people drove hours from Lynnwood, Spokane, and elsewhere to support us.

What an amazing tapestry of love and helpfulness; what a testament to the value of relationships! Thank you, everyone, who came and helped and supported us, and who continue support us each day! You are our true treasure.