Oregon trip part 3 -- Alsea wedding

Jessica Bliss is a friend of ours from Cornell; she was one of Nate's cohort for the IGERT fellowship. The original impetus for our Oregon trip was the invitation to her wedding. Her wedding to Ben was held at the Thyme Garden on a winding mountain road between Corvallis and the ocean. We were all so glad we made it after our health drama with Silas. A great time was had by all, but (as you will see) especially our little party animal, Cora.

Jess met Ben at Cornell, too. They are one of those couples who fill the air around them with lightness. Congrats, Jess & Ben!

The wedding was very Pacific NW-themed. We ate fresh-caught salmon that was cooked over a fire using a traditional method from the coastal Native Americans of the area.

We explored the gardens and pond, and even got a family photo (and proof that Silas was feeling all sorts of better):

Cora made some friends -- and by the way,
that tent is the "honeymoon suite" on an island in the pond.

Besides the hilarious and heartfelt speeches and ceremony, the real highlight of the event for our family was the dancing. Cora was completely enthralled with the idea of dancing, and she spent the ENTIRE time there was music on the dance floor. First, she slow danced a couple songs with me -- and was adamant that we dance just like everyone else, no toddler hand-holding or carrying around for her:

Later she danced with her dad and Silas:

This is serious business

She kept asking Nate to dance on every song until he finally said: "Go ask someone to dance with you." Well:
 

Christopher, brother of the bride, was her first target

He was a very good sport

After asking 5 different men at the wedding to dance (some like Christopher Bliss we knew, others not so much), she tried another tactic. She got some other kids into the act:

The only times we could get her off the dance floor were during special dances for the newlyweds and speeches. Even then I practically had to restrain her:

It was a great party, for a great couple.