Cassie Bustamante

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Life Lately and Our Great California Wedding and Disneyland Weekend Extravaganza!

October 25, 2013 by Cassie 40 Comments

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Say that title ten times fast.  It’s a mouth full!  I am going to overload you with photos and random bits of information today so I can catch you up on my life lately as well as our California weekend.  Are you ready?  Well, here I come!

About a week before we were due to leave for California, we noticed our old man, Charlie, having trouble.  He would just stand there staring off with a slight rock in his stance.  We took him to the vet where it became apparent that he could not see out of his right eye.  However, his eye appeared fine physically, which means most likely there is a mass on his brain.  The vet prescribed antibiotics and a steroid to see if it would shrink anything potentially…. There has been no improvement and in fact, he is  almost completely blind at this point.  He is also losing his hearing.  He walks around the house bumping into walls he cannot see, our legs he cannot see, and he even falls off the one step on our porch.  He jumps up at objects he thinks he sees above his head.  It’s been really sad to watch this rapid deterioration.  So at this point in time, we really don’t know how much time we have left with our sweet boy.  There has been a lot of petting, and a lot of spoiling; our plan is just to love him to the end.

All of this knowledge about Charlie made it harder for me to leave him behind.  I was so worried he would give up on us, but he is thankfully still here with us!
We were able to set out dark and early Friday morning.  The kids were excited even at 5:45 am!

On the airplane we had a row of 3 seats and the one aisle seat across.  My husband gave me the lone seat… and no one sat next to me!  It was dreamy!  I started a book I hope to finish soon!

I also wrote my toast for the wedding.  Of course I had no paper, but I had an article about Mischa Barton which had lots of blank space…. perfect!

We got off the plane, grabbed our luggage, checked into our hotel, grabbed some lunch, and then headed back to relax for a couple hours before the rehearsal dinner. Then it was time to get ready for that…. I wore my Shabby Apple dress, of course!

Creepy statue the kids wanted their picture taken with outside the restaurant….

Sawyer was given a Graham (my maiden name) tartan tie to wear at the wedding which would match my brother’s and father’s.  He was SO excited to have his very own tie and said he planned to wear it to school, too.  I love this kid.

 I pulled out my toast, which was rewritten on real paper by that point, but I cried too much to even spit it out too eloquently.  But it was heartfelt!

Saturday was the wedding!!!  I was our family hairstylist, doing my hair, Emmy’s, and my mom’s.  Viri (my new sis in law), wanted all the bridesmaids to have braids in their hair somehow.  Here’s what I came up with for me…

My mom also wanted to have braids in her hair, which is shoulder length, so I made two french braids and ended them with a messy bun.

Emmy got a side french braid with the rest curled.

Then it was time to take pre-wedding photos!  Here is our party!

Oh, and here I am with my baby girl….

The wedding was set up so beautifully and so authentically them, with awesome craft beer glasses as favors, mexican cans and beer bottles filled with flowers, and mexican blankets on the serving tables. (And the food was amazing- authentic mexican quesadillas and tacos!)

Emmy helped the florist for a bit (who by the way is a knockout!).

Sawyer gave my brother a pep talk. 😉

The ceremony itself was beautiful.  Viri and her father walked in to “You make my dreams come true” by Hall and Oates and she danced happily down the aisle.  Here’s the new couple sharing their first dance…

The wedding was amazing and it was so incredible to experience…. joyous!  It was also so much fun to see so many of my brother’s high school friends who I had not seen in years!

Sunday it was off to Disneyland for an all day adventure with one of my best friends in the whole world, Ali of My Third True Love, and her two kiddos, Noah and Hayden. We texted this picture to Sarah and told her we wished she was there!

One of our first rides was Star Tours, which was number one on Sawyer’s to-ride list.  Here are my two goons with their 3D glasses.  I can safely say that was my first and last time on that ride…. tight space, jolting, swooshing, clammy, nauseous.  whoa.

Emmy’s to-do list was topped with heading to Pixie Hollow.  She was absolutely in love with Tink!

We ALL enjoyed Splash Mountain!  (Picture stolen from Ali).  Hayden was there, too, behind me, but you can’t see her.

Our kids all hit it off, and Emmy and Hayden even showed up somewhat matching.

We ended our day at Disneyland with fireworks followed by ice cream and finally made it back to our hotel around 11 pm!  We all slept like rocks that night!

The next morning we showered and got ready to check out of our hotel so we could head to breakfast and then spend the day with Ali and her kids, as well as her twin sis and her adorable son!

Sawyer had gotten out of the shower and I just had to take this picture… (Oh and check out the cool hotel bed in the background!)  It is the new Marriot resort in Laguna and it’s gorgeous!  Wish we could have stayed longer!

 That day I wore me new Disneyland Sweatshirt because I had been FUH-reezing the night before.  When in Rome, buy the touristy stuff and wear it proudly!

We headed out to Stacks, a pancake house, that was highly recommended by Ali and the hotel.  It was AMAZING.  Sawyer devoured his waffle, Emmy ate about half of her huge stack of chocolate chip pancakes, Chris ate all of his bacon and eggs and potatoes, and I hoovered in my vegetarian omelette and fruit!

Then it was off to Ali’s house to just hang out and relax for a bit.  I of course took the chance to snap some pictures of her home.  They’ve just redone their kitchen and it’s gorgeous!

And this is my favorite nook!

We picked up Lisa and her son and headed to the park where Sawyer played with his new light saber…

Ollie, Lisa’s adorable toddler, played with his tennis ball.

Then it was off to the beach for a bit just to tick their toes in the water…

Finally, we headed to the airport that night and took the red eye back home, where Fall has come in full force.

I told you there would be a lot of pictures!  🙂  I truly enjoyed my crazy whirlwind California adventure, filled with people I love most in this world.  Happy weekend, my friends.
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Comments

  1. Catherine says

    October 25, 2013 at 10:33 am

    So sorry to hear about your lovely dog,Charlie, I hope you have lots of time to spend with him. Thinking of you

    Reply
  2. Courtney says

    October 25, 2013 at 10:44 am

    Well a whirlwind it was! So glad you had a wonderful time, loved seeing it all via ig!

    Reply
  3. Storywood Designs says

    October 25, 2013 at 11:18 am

    I’m so sorry about Charlie. Our golden is losing her strength in her back legs and slips and falls so easily. It breaks my heart to see them get older… glad Charlie is getting spoiled rotten! The trip looks like it was amazing and I loved the wedding hair!

    Reply
  4. Julia Konya says

    October 25, 2013 at 11:24 am

    I really feel for you with Charlie! It’s so hard.
    Love the pep talk photo and tinkerbell conversation, so cute!
    That kitchen is amazing!
    Looks like a wonderful time 😉

    Reply
  5. Our Pinteresting Family says

    October 25, 2013 at 11:56 am

    I’m sorry about Charlie…dogs are just so amazing it is hard to watch them age. Looks like your trip was amazing!! I love the wedding decorations.

    Reply
  6. Heather{Our Life In a Click} says

    October 25, 2013 at 12:46 pm

    What a fabulous fun post and great wedding and vacation photos!!! You guys did a lot!!! I have a similar sweatshirt from Disney (it’s SO soft).

    http://ourlifeinaclick.blogspot.com/2013/06/travelthe-happiest-place-on-earth-part-7.html

    Sorry to hear about poor Charlie. It’s so tough on you all!

    Reply
  7. [email protected] says

    October 25, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    What a wonderful trip Cassie 🙂 I love that pic of Emmy and Tink! So precious. Have a great weekend!!! xo Kristin

    Reply
  8. Mary says

    October 25, 2013 at 12:56 pm

    What a wonderful family wedding/vacation! Sorry to hear about Charlie. Have a wonderful weekend!

    Reply
  9. Dana Frieling says

    October 25, 2013 at 12:59 pm

    Looks like a blast full of wonderful memories! I’m surprised Emmy was the only extra helper with the florist and there weren’t a ton of single guys offering a hand. ha!

    Reply
  10. The Painted Drawer says

    October 25, 2013 at 1:26 pm

    What a wonderful weekend! So glad you had a great time and you all looked gorgeous. Sorry to hear about your pup. We had to put our beloved dog down last year – wrenching.

    Reply
  11. Sharon @ Elizabeth & Co. says

    October 25, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    Wow, that was quite the jam packed weekend! The wedding was just beautiful and how fun that you got to visit Ali and her family at the same time! … And poor Charlie. We had a dog who was blind and deaf for most of her life. She was such a trooper and we still miss her dearly. … Hope you get to chill a bit this weekend, but knowing you, it’s full steam ahead!

    Reply
  12. Kelly @ A Swell Place to Dwell says

    October 25, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    Busy, busy little bee! And I totally agree with you…that star wars ride is not much fun…I remember doing it as a kid and thinking it was fantastic. Flash forward 20 years later = not so much fun.

    Reply
  13. Shavonda says

    October 25, 2013 at 1:36 pm

    I’m so sorry hear hear about your sweet Charlie Cassie. I wish him and your family comfort at this difficult time. I looooved seeing all of your Cali adventures on IG. You and Emmy looked so beautiful for the wedding. I’m so glad you had a great time. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Reply
  14. Vintage Prairie Style says

    October 25, 2013 at 1:42 pm

    Looks like you had a wonderful weekend. So sad to hear about your pup.

    Reply
  15. Dear Emmeline says

    October 25, 2013 at 2:08 pm

    poor pup. enjoy the time you can with him! looks like an amazing weekend!

    Reply
  16. Jesse @ Scout & Nimble says

    October 25, 2013 at 2:57 pm

    Looks like you guys had an amazing time and I am so so sorry about Charlie. I am sending you big ole hugs and lots of good thoughts. It’s so hard to watch our babies go downhill…I hope you have as many days with him as possible!

    Reply
  17. Gail Wilson says

    October 25, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    wow! what a whirlwind! Thanks for sharing all these fabulous pics with us. Loving the hairdos… especially your mom’s.
    what a great wedding. how fun is disney!
    hope you’re getting rested up.

    take care of the boy Charlie…lots of loving for sure!
    gail

    Reply
  18. Mekenzie @ interiorsbykenz.com says

    October 25, 2013 at 3:39 pm

    I love California so much! You’re making me ache to take a road trip. It’s not too long of a drive from Salt Lake City. I’m glad the wedding went well. Everything was so beautiful. I hope things go well with Charlie.

    Reply
  19. 17 Perth says

    October 25, 2013 at 3:41 pm

    First off–I always LOVE a lot of pictures. Secondly…Your dog. Of course I cried reading that…and I am so sorry! So glad though he has you guys to love him until the end.

    Next thing—YOU did your own hair???? I am SOOO impressed!! Holy cow–I loved it! It looked beautiful…and of course so did emmy!

    What a fun weekend!!

    Reply
  20. Lisa @ Shine Your Light says

    October 25, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Your trip looks amazing and love filled…….so glad for all of you to have this adventure together 🙂

    Reply
  21. [email protected] says

    October 25, 2013 at 5:16 pm

    What an incredible trip, to see your brother get married, visit with your best friend, and to take in a little bit of beach time! I love the picture of Sawyer’s hair…such a handsome young man! And, Emmy with Tink..that lil tummy poking out. Love it 🙂

    Reply
  22. [email protected] says

    October 25, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    sorry to hear this about Charlie, poor thing, so sorry Cassie
    glad to see all these pictures and that you all had a lovely time!
    enjoy your weekend 🙂

    Reply
  23. Allison says

    October 25, 2013 at 7:53 pm

    I am so sorry about Charlie. He is one very loved dog with the most wonderful family! What a weekend you had surrounded by family and good friends. Congratulations to your brother and new SIL! You did a beautiful job being hair stylist and I love all of your dresses. Isn’t Disneyland the best! Cute photo of you and Ali. Enjoy your Fall weekend and give Charlie a hug from me.

    Reply
  24. Ali Richardson says

    October 25, 2013 at 8:37 pm

    Spending all that quality time with you guys seriously was the BEST ever! Disneyland was magical and just being together is all I need 🙂 Love you sweet friend. Like, the most! Hug Charlie for me, his auntie 🙂

    Reply
  25. Shelley | Crazy Wonderful says

    October 25, 2013 at 9:32 pm

    What a packed week you all had! Gorgeous wedding. You girls are beautiful!

    I’ll be praying for your sweet boy Charlie. It’s so hard watching a pup get older. Sometimes I look at ours and my heart breaks. You just love them so much!

    Reply
  26. Danielle says

    October 26, 2013 at 12:18 am

    Looks so wonderful. Great trip and great wedding.x

    Reply
  27. House Envy says

    October 26, 2013 at 12:55 am

    wow that looks like a great trip! Love your hair! So pretty! Love your friends house too! the hardware in her kitchen is beautiful! Hope Charlie gets well fast:( Have a great weekend!

    Laura

    Reply
  28. Lisa @ Turning Tables says

    October 26, 2013 at 1:19 am

    It was SO great seeing you and your adorable family!! I’m sorry I was pregnant and grumpy (lol), but I cannot wait to see u all again sometime soon (for sure). xoxoxo love u!

    Reply
  29. Amber Wills says

    October 26, 2013 at 1:34 am

    Looks like an incredible time! I’m sure the kids loved Disneyland. Seriously the happiest place on earth. 🙂

    Reply
  30. [email protected] says

    October 26, 2013 at 2:06 am

    Ike and I sends lots of love to you and Charlie!

    Your trip looks fabulous. As did you and your lovely children.

    Reply
  31. Gretchen says

    October 26, 2013 at 2:06 am

    Looks like a great trip! I love Disneyland…we went once a few years ago with the in-laws…I’d love to get back there someday 🙂

    Reply
  32. Good Time Charlie says

    October 26, 2013 at 2:10 am

    I am so sorry to hear about your sweet doggie. So hard when pets age and we have to prepare to say goodbye. On a happy note, so cute pics! What a fun time, beautiful wedding pics, and so much fun at the happiest place on earth.

    Reply
  33. pam {simple details} says

    October 26, 2013 at 2:28 am

    Aww, what a special weekend, I wish it could have lasted a few more days for you! 🙂 Emmy and Tink brought back memories, my little guy was smitten with Snow White! My heart breaks for you having to watch Charlie go through this. 🙁

    Reply
  34. Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says

    October 26, 2013 at 12:54 pm

    What a beautiful wedding. Your kids looked adorable as always and congrats to your brother and SIL. And so very sorry to hear about your pup. I’m glad he made it thru the weekend and I hope he hangs in there! Hugs.

    Reply
  35. Lisa - A Room with A View says

    October 26, 2013 at 2:50 pm

    Looks like you had a ton of fun with the wedding and all the get-togethers related to and outside of the big event! Great hairdos! Your kids are adorable, Cassie. So sorry about your Charlie.

    Reply
  36. Traci Creel says

    October 27, 2013 at 8:50 am

    Cassie, I am so sorry that your pup is nearing the end of his life. I have been through that more than once and it is NOT easy.
    I am glad your vacation to our fair state went well.
    Traci

    Reply
  37. Patty Day @Pattys Epiphanies says

    October 27, 2013 at 4:45 pm

    Thanks for sharing all those precious moments!
    The wedding looked like a dream event!

    Reply
  38. Kelly says

    October 27, 2013 at 7:56 pm

    What a great trip…. Sending hugs for Sweet Charlie….

    Reply
  39. Down to Earth Style says

    October 27, 2013 at 10:07 pm

    What a blast!

    Reply
  40. Michelle @ Ten June says

    October 28, 2013 at 4:51 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet puppy dog : ( My childhood family dog was named Charlie, too! Little Charlie dogs make the best pets, I hope yours is feeling ok this week.

    In other news, looks like you guys had a great time on your trip! What a beautiful wedding!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Cassie!

I believe that you don't have to spend a lot of money to live a beautiful life and be your best self.  Here you will find budget friendly ideas to live happily, healthily, sustainably, and most importantly authentically.  We all get one chance at this life, and this ordinary girl plans to make hers extraordinary. How about you? Read more...
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Hi! I'm Cassie.

Mother, wife, shop owner, blogger, writer, incurable diy-er, furniture painter, coffee and wine drinker, friend. Seeking happiness and passing it on. Read More…

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