She's getting married!

Sisters.

 They are God's gift to you as you are to them.

I don't know what I would do without mine.  They have always been there and so  many of my favorite memories were made with them by my side.

The years have passed and we are not little girls arguing over who gets to sit in the front seat.  We are not little girls having slumber parties together taking turns reading our journals.  In fact, we don't even live together any more and our times together are way too short and far between.  But, despite the distance and changes in our lives, my sisters are my closest friends.  Their joys are my joys and their sorrows as well.

This past week, my youngest sister - the one whom just yesterday, Brooke and I referred to as being "SOOO twelve" - was engaged.  How did this happed?  Where did the years go?  How is my baby sister going to be getting married?  Yet, she is.  

 Next summer, she will be marrying the guy whom she thought was cute the moment she saw him at college registration.  And it will be another great memory made.  And Brooke and I will be there, smiling through our tears, and thanking God for the wonderful gift of sisters. 

 I love you, Lauren and am so happy for you and Matthew.  You make a wonderful couple and I look forward to the upcoming months of wedding planning!

Dunes' Date

Jack and I were in Chesterton this past weekend and took advantage 

of the lovely weather by grabbing some KFC and heading to the Dunes.

A little over one year ago on another sunny day with another bucket of chicken, 

Jack and I went to the Dunes and it was there he asked me to be his wife.

The Dunes will always hold a special place in my heart for it was there that 

I said, "Yes" to my Jack.

Chicago was slightly visible - another one of our favorites since it was there that we first met... :)

Love this guy so much!

And yet another perfect picnic at the Dunes...yet this time as husband and wife! :)

One year ago...

I said 'Yes'

It's delightful when your imaginations come true isn't it?

Anne of Green Gables

I love you Jack, with all of my heart.

Porter County Fair - 2012

 Love that smile!  Knocks me dead every time! :)

 

Sisters and best friends for life.

 

12 foot unicycle, juggling torches?  No problem!

 Anybody up for a spinning ride?  (not me)

 

  

Thank you Jared Gellos for teaching me how to climb a rock wall.

The best family I could ever marry into.  You guys are the best!  Love you!

 

And of course, the iconic Ferris Wheel.

Thank you Porter County Fair, I had a great time! 

(Although I think it was more who I was with than what was at the fair. :)

Welcome!

Welcome to our blog; thanks for stopping by!  We are Jack McDonnell and Nicole LaBate (soon to be McDonnell :o) and this is our place to share what is happening in our lives with family and friends.

We seek to honor the Lord Jesus Christ in our lives with all that we do, and this blog will be no different.

We hope to keep it updated regularly with the things that make our life so much fun!

From wedding planning to home projects to cooking or photography, we are excited about this next phase in our life and the many adventures that lie ahead!

Here's a few pictures from our recent engagement session.

Enjoy!

{Photography credit to:  Photography by Britton}