A Beautyby RobToday Eric Barnes married Miriam Ippel. Everything went beautifully, right down to the weather.Eric will return to Princeton in the fall for his third and final year of seminary. Miriam just graduated from Western Seminary, here in the Grand Rapids, MI, area. It's amazing what can happen when two seminarians plan the order of worship for a wedding. It was beautiful ceremony, music, vows, Scriptures... the whole thing.
The reception was held at a park where they rented a rustic lodge-type building with a porch on three sides. A three-piece jazz combo played gently through the dinner hour and then sang and played dance tunes after dessert. The food was grilled right outside the building, and the desserts were a "pot-luck" assortment of items that were brought by many of their friends and family. The "traditional" aspects of the reception were limited to a couple of toasts and a prayer. The rest of the time was casual and unplanned. It was one of the best receptions that I can remember. I love being able to take our kids to these sorts of weddings, where they can see that an event like this doesn't have to follow a set format.
The photos posted here are by Kim and Abbie, but they were taking while the photographer was at work. He's a very energetic and entertaining man, who, along with his two assistants, must have taken a couple thousand photos during the day. 
The Old (Best) Manby RobWe're in Grand Rapids, MI. We're here for Eric and Miriam's wedding, which will take place on Sunday afternoon. Eric asked me to be his best man -- a real honor -- but, I'll admit, I've had some anxiety about being in this role; I hardly know anyone else here, and I feel like I'm too old to be his best man. Yesterday, something happened which deepened that concern.All of the groomsman went to pick up our tuxedos. After paying at the front of the store, one by one, we were sent to the back of the store to try everything on. I waited at the register to buy something after the others had gone to the fitting rooms. The guy who waited on me started some small talk, "Where are you from?" and that kind of thing. And then he asked, "So your son is getting married?"I'm thinking about shaving off my beard today.
Abbie's Piano RecitalThis is Abbie's performance from her piano recital on June 12, 2008. She is performing "Adagio Cantabile," by Beethoven.
Nate's Piano RecitalThis is Nathan's performace from his piano recital on June 12, 2008. He is performing, "Leichte Sonata, Op. 49 #2, 1st Movement," by Beethoven.
"Dad, thanks for being likable enough that your colleagues bake you pies."Nathan, after consuming a piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie which was given to us by another teacher from my school.
With His Hands in His Pockets...by Rob Yesterday, May 31, Nate participated in a NYSSMA solo festival. Students prepare a vocal or instrumental solo piece from a list of works which have been graded according to their level of difficulty. Nate sang, "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," from The Sound of Music. It's a level four piece; the highest level is six.He received many positive comments from the judge. His score was 27 out of 28 points, which is consider "O" or outstanding. His only lost point was for his posture, because he had his hands in his pockets.
A Beauty
The reception was held at a park where they rented a rustic lodge-type building with a porch on three sides. A three-piece jazz combo played gently through the dinner hour and then sang and played dance tunes after dessert. The food was grilled right outside the building, and the desserts were a "pot-luck" assortment of items that were brought by many of their friends and family. The "traditional" aspects of the reception were limited to a couple of toasts and a prayer. The rest of the time was casual and unplanned. It was one of the best receptions that I can remember. I love being able to take our kids to these sorts of weddings, where they can see that an event like this doesn't have to follow a set format.
The photos posted here are by Kim and Abbie, but they were taking while the photographer was at work. He's a very energetic and entertaining man, who, along with his two assistants, must have taken a couple thousand photos during the day. 
