More wedding pics

I've got a backlog of photos that I haven't posted, from the wedding/trip to California, and even before that. Here are some cute photos from J's brother's wedding a couple of weeks ago.

Doodle and Aaron, the ring bearer. Featured previously in their photo booth photos.

Action shot. This was about when Doodle started telling Aaron he was supposed to slow down and wait for her. She knew how to do the flower girl thing, and wasn't going to let a silly, too-fast-walking little boy mess it up. He slowed down and it all worked out fine.

Of course this was after she'd approached the seating area and did a kickass fist pump in the air as if she were saying "HELL YEAH I'M THE FLOWER GIRL!" This was followed by her grinning hugely and giving thumbs up to everyone as she walked about a third of the way down the aisle, too busy with the thumbs up to scatter petals.

She was later complimented by the bridesmaids for lightening the mood of the ceremony and being the best flower girl ever. I think she pretty much rocked too.

J's paternal side of the family. Cuteness all around.

Beach

We made a point to hit the beach while we were in California. We built sand castles, buried Doodle, collected shells, played in the water, and enjoyed the warm, overcast weather and lack of fellow beachgoers. It was great.

When can we go back?

Photo booth

My new favorite feature at weddings is the photo booth.

J's sister had a photo booth at her wedding reception two years ago and it was a huge hit, so J's brother and sis-in-law had one at their wedding this past weekend. It was fun.

Doodle and the Ring Bearer.

They were best pals all night. Wherever one went, the other was close behind. Whenever he vanished, Doodle would run up and ask "Where's Aaron?" sounding all concerned. They were adorable together.

J & Hayley

The happy couple - J's brother & his wifeThe wedding was a blast. More photos to come.

Bound for California!

Looking out the window at the pouring rain it's hard to believe that in ~13 hours we'll be in sunny, HOT, dry California. We're bound for the greater L.A./Orange County region for a few days of celebration. First up: J's brother's wedding. Doodle will be the flower girl with a fabulously twirly dress and, most importantly for my purple-loving diva, a beautiful purple bow. J is a groomsman and will be looking snazzy in his nice new suit. For Roo, a white button-up shirt, grayish pants and possibly a little vest if it's not too hot. For me a dress that's dressy enough to blend with my fabulous crew. I'm even planning to wear mascara. Yep, big deal. It's sure to be a big, fun bash and I'm looking forward to it.

After the wedding we'll have a mellow day, then J's grandma is hosting a birthday party for Roo. On the guest list: 40 people so far. Yes, 40. Including kids. Forecast: loudness and mayhem and lots of love all around. It'll be great.

I'll give a full report when we're back. Until then, I'm off to pack. Gotta get the swimsuits for the beach! :D

Dress shopping hell

In case you were wondering, I hate dress shopping. This is not a regular activity for me, as I rarely have occasion to wear dresses (other than hippie dresses that I can wear while chasing Doodle or riding my bike). The occasion prompting my latest dress hunt? My mother-in-law's wedding, which is occurring a week from Saturday. I have eight days to find a dress before we leave for the wedding destination. AAAAAAH!

This is why I'm struggling:
1) I'm a cheapskate. I hate the idea of spending $80+ on some crappily-assembled chiffon and sequin ugliness that I'll only wear once or twice.
2) Our local thrift stores are not helping me AT ALL. They offer lots of kindergarten-teacher-from-the-90's garb or the occasional size zero summer dress. Not much else.
3) I hate shopping, especially when those stupid dressing room mirrors make me realize how much my body has changed in the past few years and how my boob perkiness level will never be quite the same.
4) Have I mentioned my high standards mixed with cheapskateness? This is really not working well for me. *le sigh*

Any suggestions? I've tried Kohls - found one dress that was kinda meh. Haven't tried Dillards or Penney's yet. Those are the only other department stores we have. I guess I can look at the little mall shops. I really don't want to go into one of the Women's Boutiques downtown, as they specialize in outfitting the age 50+ ladies in the community and I'm really not shooting for the Relief Society President look (no offense, ladies, but you know what I mean).

Any ideas for even a style of dress to shoot for? The wedding is at 2pm on a casino riverboat in Nevada. Mother of the bride says we should dress nice, probably no pants for me. Added complication: Doodle is still breastfeeding on occasion. So ideally it wouldn't be something that I have to unzip or completely disrobe in order to nurse her. A skirt could work, but I need a nice top then too. Don't want anything with too busy of a pattern, as we'll probably be in some pics. Solid colors ask for Doodle to smear food on them, which stands out badly. GAH!

Any advice would be awesome. (Oh, and if you include footwear advice with your dress advice you get double the virtual hugs/cookies).

Thanks!