Funerals, Weddings, Tornadoes and Sickness!

(I know this post has a lot of text, but it's followed by lots of pictures!)
Just over a week ago we found out that Chad's Grandpa was dying. In order to say goodbye to his Grandpa Langstraat, Chad had to leave a week early for his trip to Memphis. So, last Saturday he flew out to Memphis and had to take Brianna with him because of a wedding I had in Atlanta the following weekend! Chad was able to spend a little time with his Grandpa on Saturday night and those in his family who wanted to be there when he was taken off the ventilator the next morning were able to spend some precious moments together. Henry Langstraat, Chad's hero, died on Sunday morning. I am so grateful he was able to be there and spend a few minutes with his Grandpa to have some closure! We had the pleasure of living near them for the last 3 years until we moved in January. I really enjoyed getting to know Chad's grandparents and the rest of his family. I am sad I wasn't able to be there this week, but I'm glad Chad had the chance to be there.

During the week Chad was able to help move his sister Catherine's family out of his parents house and help get it prepared for his grandma to move in. He also fixed the fence in our yard from our home in Memphis and was able to help his family with a lot of things that needed to be done. He came home today worn out! He's looking forward to work seeing it as a break! :) He's glad he was able to help out so much, but didn't expect to have that much work to do! Brianna was such a good girl as I heard from several people. She apparently just went with the flow and happily went to several babysitter's while things were getting done.

It was such a weird week for me having both Chad and Brianna gone. I was really busy with lots of things on a list to get done that I usually don't get around to when Brianna's here. Unfortunately, there are still several things on that list that haven't been touched! I also had the chance to prepare for my friend, Amanda's, wedding in Atlanta. She had asked me to be her photographer in exchange for flying me out to her wedding! I really enjoyed the time I spent with some of her old room mates and her family! Although, I did miss Brianna and Chad quite a bit!

The night before Amanda's wedding a big tornado hit down town and did a lot of damage! Unaware of the tornado, we were already concerned about the horrible forecast for the following day! I didn't get much sleep that night as I worried how I would get any good pictures for her wedding day in a huge storm! We prayed A LOT and were blessed to have beautiful weather. For the most part, there was no rain when we were taking pictures (except for about 5 minutes at the temple and we got to use fun umbrellas!) Every time we got into the car it seemed to be raining or sprinkling! So, we were certainly blessed to have some beautiful weather during pictures and the reception! Nothing like the forecast had mentioned! Here are a few of the pictures I took! Doesn't she look beautiful!

Amanda and Steve...I love making people do these jumps. They make really fun photos!
Let it rain!

Brianna and Chad came back today and they are both really sick! Chad has a horrible cough and the stomach flu. Brianna looked the worse that I have ever seen her when she got off of the plane. Her eyes were swollen and red all around with mucus coming out and her nose looked awful! By the time we got home and pulled into the garage she had a big blowout in her diaper! So, we went to the doctor and she has a sinus infection and the stomach flu! So, I'm excited they're home, but sad that they're both so sick! Hopefully I won't get any of the illnesses while I tend to both of their needs! Brianna started some medicine tonight, but has still been up every hour because of her tummy! Hopefully she can get some much needed rest!