Day 4 Friday

Day 4 Friday

It started with the traditional Suarez basketball game the day before the wedding. Like Brandon had written on his website, “my Dad will be there with a ball”. Yes, I was !! Then Mel appeared and I was so glad to see Brandon and Austin. MY BOYS !!! and finally the Hammies…

We played a little 3 on 3 and this old man hit a few threes. Of course I had Austin and Brandon on my team, so that always helps.

Then the MIT guys appeared. I had to make teams quickly….i gave them Billy (6’9” plays professionally in Costa Rica) and we took Bradley (MIT’s point guard). I also took 6’7” Tommy (MIT football player…about 300 lbs). We won 3 out of 5 games with Bradley hitting the winning three.

Then Sophia (the bride) showed up and the MIT guys all gave her a sweaty hug. It was cute.

Then I had to run with Kathy to pick up Charlie (from NJ), Cristina (Atlanta), Margy (Seattle) and Father John from Boston. It was fun piling them all into the mini-van with all their luggage.

As we drove into LaJolla, I drove along the water and let them out to see the coves and sea lions and surfers, etc…..they were all thrilled.

Friday nite was the rehearsal at the church…the “hitler” at the church took over…actually these poor woman are usually volunteers and no one pays attention during rehearsals….lol…..

Then we drove up to the Cross where B&S got engaged…again Cristina, Charlie, Kathy, Father John all piled out to see the wonderful view of La Jolla and San Diego in the distance…you can also see the mountains to the east.

Brandon had found this Mexican place for the dinner. We had about 50 people there. It was pork and black beans and rice. The usual. After about an hour, I stood up (as the father of the groom) and welcomed everyone there. Special thanks to all those that traveled from the East coast. Then I began the roasting of Brandon and Sophia. I told the famous dog story and Austin followed with the Salsa dancing story from Cuba. The MIT guys told some great stories and we also heard from Sophia’s friends.

Then Karen Harrison (the mother of the bride) showed the slideshow of the B&S growing up. There was not a dry eye in the room (at least not at our table).

Xavier came in late from the airport and Jimmy (the MIT superstar) from Denver. We were NOW complete !!