Wedding Weekend in Montana- August 11-12, 2007

Last weekend, we were thrilled to be able to be a part of Jeff and Libby Goldes' daughter Ann's marriage to Brandon Sheahan held in Helena, MT.

The Goldes (Joe and Leila, their children, Carrie and Jeff, and their 7 grandchildren) have been friends of the Tessitores for 50+ years (well...not the grandchildren- they're not that old!) so this was a special treat to be a part of the big celebration with Ann and Brandon and their families.

As Stephen has learned, Affaires de Goldes are never simple ones. They are elegant and leave nothing to the imagination, in short, fun parties that go on and on and on... Over 300 guests came from throughout the U.S. and around the world to join the Goldes' many friends in Helena. Susan got to re-connect with several people whom she had not seen in many years, including Carol Ann Foster...

and Aunt Faith and Uncle Harold and their family.

A weekend with Jeff Goldes wouldn't be complete without a boat trip to Gates of the Gods, a water channel through the montains that Lewis and Clark explored (these guys got around!!!); this time, we went out on Jeff's new wave-runner that creates "surfing" conditions. Jeff, his son Matt, and Carrie's daughter Alisa showed their stuff water-skiing and surfing.

Click on(http://picasaweb.google.com/stephenristau/GoldesSheahanWeddingWeekend) for more pictures on the Goldes- Sheahan wedding weekend.

Our stay was extended (surprise, surprise!!) and we got to meet and stay with the Goldes' neighbors' Ron Lee and Sue Clarke and their dog Mollie in their gorgeous Queen Ann-style home. They were most hospitable and we hope Ron and Sue will visit us one day in Portland.

It's a gorgeous ride by car through western Montana, Idaho, Washington, and eastern Oregon climbing several mountain ranges. This trip was also influenced by nature. Last time on our trip cross-country in January, we battled the snow through the passes; this time heavy smoke from fires in Idaho burned our eyes and left a coating of ash on the car for almost half the trip home.

We took the northern (Washington) route along the Columbia River Gorge for the first time and had some spectacular views like this one...