It was a special final full September weekend for my family. We traveled to a place that was new to us all—La Grande, Oregon. On Friday night, the four of us hopped in the car and drove to the northeastern Oregon community to attend my cousin’s wedding.

My family of four had a great weekend in Oregon that consisted of a special wedding and family time.

When we pulled into the hotel parking lot at 11 p.m. that evening, we had people waiting for us. My parents, my brother and wife, and my sister’s family had all arrived prior to our mini contingent crossing into Oregon territory. To make our family affair even sweeter was the fact that we stayed in four rooms clustered together on the second floor of our Best Western.

Sloan, her cousins, and her Uncle Jay have fun in the pool during our weekend in La Grande,, Oregon.

We enjoyed spending time together over the weekend. Whether it was eating in the breakfast hall, splashing in the pool/hot tub, watching football, or playing cards in the lobby it was nice to hang with my gang of four, my parents, my siblings, and their families in a unique setting.

It was nice to spend the weekend with my wife, kids, parents, siblings, and their families in La Grande.

But of course the main highlight of this weekend was my cousin’s wedding. Abby married her longtime boyfriend/fiancé of eight years, Nate. It brought me immense joy to see Abby and Nate tie the knot after such a dedicated courtship. Those who know the large Reser clan are aware that we are a very close and supportive extended family who love and support our own (and those who are brought into it). Needless to say, there was a large crowd of happy and rowdy Resers at the Barn at Tamarack Springs and Aspen Meadows on Saturday night.

Abby and Nathan were married on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023 (photo courtesy of Diana Price)

Although I would have always described my dad, aunts, uncles, and cousins as an emotional group, Saturday’s wedding packed even more feelings than usual. Abby’s mother passed away in late January 2022, ripping a huge void in our proud family. After my Aunt Nancy’s sudden and unexpected death, I made an attempt to convey what an extremely special woman she was. So, as you can imagine, there were a lot of tears before, during, and after the ceremony—with many coming from the gorgeous brown eyes of Abby. But leave no doubt about it, the memory of my Aunt Nancy was honored throughout the whole day and despite her not being physically there, her presence was felt.

Abby and I during her reception.

As Nate and Abby marked their first couple hours as husband and wife with the backdrop of the Blue Mountains behind them, I felt content. My cousin was now married and staring at a life full of potential in front of her. I wish Mr. and Mrs. Sumerlin nothing but the best. Don’t Blink.