Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Dinner and Toasts (Part II)

Journey Of A Thousand Miles: Dinner and Toasts (Part II)

June 8th, 2011 @ 12:04 pm by Mrs. Meerkat
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The first part of dinner flew by. It seemed like I blinked twice and the wait staff was already bring out the orange sorbet. While we were all cleansing our palates with the sorbet, Bridesmaid K was putting a couple finishing touches on her toast.

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Before I knew it, Bridesmaid K was at our DJ’s table getting the mic to give her toast (while rockin’ her awesome knit boots).

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For as long as I can remember my family always said Carla and I were just alike. I wanted to be just like her when I was growing up. When girls are little they have heros like Belle from Beauty and The Beast and Ariel from The Little Mermaid but Carla was my hero. I always thought she was so perfect but she taught me to always be myself and that there is nothing better than just being yourself.

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Carla and Chris’s house is like my second home. We always have a good time watching movies, drinking Starbucks and eating chocolate.

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I think Chris and Carla are perfect together. They bring out the best in each other. I have never seen Carla as happy as when she is with Chris. He is a character and he always makes her laugh. I love you both so much. I would like to welcome Chris, Sister-In-Law Meerkat, Mama-In-Law Meerkat and Father-In-Law Meerkat into the family. You are all great people and I am so happy to have you join our family.

It was really humbling to hear my niece say these things. Since my sister and I are so far apart in age, my niece and I practically grew up together so I never really saw myself as someone she would look up to.

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As Bridesmaid K made her way back to her seat, Mama-In-Law Meerkat snagged her and gave her a huge hug.

Mr. Meerkat, in his usual way, had to tease Bridesmaid K a little. So when she came up to hug him the first thing he said to her was, “I guess you’re not so bad either.”

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And of course I got a huge hug from her.

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As everyone settled back into their seats our main course was served: “Surf and Turf” shrimp with sirloin.

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And yes, it really did taste as incredible as it looked. I ate the whole thing!

Since our bellies were pretty well full at this point people started to get into the party spirit. We all were clapping and swaying to Kid Rock’s All Summer Long. It was awesome to hear everyone sing the line, “It was summer time in Northern Michigan.” I had no idea so many of our guests knew this song.

As the dishes were being cleared and our cannolis were being served, Father-In-Law Meerkat took the chance to give a final toast.

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I want everyone to raise their glasses to Christopher and Carla. We watched Christopher grow into an outstanding young man and he couldn’t have selected a finer woman than Carla. I am sure her Father would have been just as proud of her. We love her and all her family and glad we are all here together. Cheers.

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Father-In-Law Meerkat is much like Mr. Meerkat. He is a man of few words but when he does speak he says some of the sweetest things.

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I love how every toast that was given mentioned our families coming together. It is so amazing to watch our families now and see them interact like they have been together their whole lives.

Up Next: Let’s Smash Some Cake!