The first of my wedding festivities started in Ashland, wisconsin where my Maid of Honor, Andrea and my mom put on a wedding shower for me. It was held at the Visitor's Center, which normally would've been a beautiful and scenic place to walk around, but it was cold, windy, and not very pleasant to be outside. That was fine, though, the room the party was in was perfect. We started it off with great food of all kinds, with everything from cold cuts, to Mark's famous coleslaw, to Terri's delicious cake. While everyone was eating, Andrea started off by playing a couple games. The first was a "how well do you know Brooke" game, with about 10 questions from how many kids I plan to have, to what my dog's name is. If I remember right, my cousin Ashley was the leader, with 9 right? And, second came my cousin, Tara. It was no suprise to me at all, since I am very close to both of them. Then, I opened gifts, which there were so many. It was a lot of fun! I got help from a couple of the younger girls, Taylor (Jennifer's daughter) and Addey (Tris's daughter). They did a great job with teamwork. I received many gift cards, which was really nice since I was traveling so much, and some great gifts. I got a 17 peice pyrex bakeset from Auntie Bev, Auntie Pat, and Aunt Josie, some colorful and beautiful drinking glasses from Aunt Nancy, a coffee grinder from Janice (who couldn't make it), a picnic/wine bag--perfect for a picnic date on the beach from Tris and Terri, a margarita set and pizza stone from Aunt Jennie, a woven hamper from Tracie, Megan, and Katie, and martini glasses from Aunt Cindy. Jenny and Alphia, Ashley, Andrea, Tara, and Rhonda, Melva, Cortney, Jennifer and Taylor were all very generous and gave us cash, checks, and gift cards to Target. Thank you to everyone who came, it was so nice to spend time with all of you!