If you live in Virginia forget about smiling the next time you renew your driver's license.  Smiling has been banned:

DMV officials say the smile ban is for a good cause. The agency would like to develop a facial recognition system that could compare customers' photographs over time to prevent fraud and identity theft. "The technology works best when the images are similar," said DMV spokeswoman Pam Goheen. "To prepare for the possibility of future security enhancements, we're asking customers to maintain a neutral expression."

Last year the girls reunited in Minneapolis to meet Zachary and this year we ventured down to Danville, Virginia for Ruthie's wedding.  It was a whirlwind weekend full of memories and laughs. 

The Thursday before Caroline, Kris and I were to fly out, liquids were banned from all carry-on baggage.  We always have the luck of something going completely wrong, but surprisingly, the liquid ban caused no hiccups in our travels. 

The weekend was full of wedding events and Ruthie arranged transportation for us throughout the entire weekend, which was above and beyond her bridal duties.  (Thanks, Ruthie!)  We got a kick out of one of our drivers because we thought he was feeding us a bunch of lies :)  Robert was telling us about kudzu and dirt daubers, and pointing out the tobacco fields as we were driving through the country roads to Danville.  Turns out kudzu and dirt daubers are real so Robert is probably thinking Midwesterners (or just the three of us) are complete idiots. 

Friday evening we went to the Rehearsal After Party at The Barn, which is a renovated barn where many special events are held.  After 8 years we finally met Ruthie's family and enjoyed catching up with each other.

Saturday morning Ruthie's mom put together a brunch for Ruthie and her closest girlfriends at this gorgeous bed and breakfast in downtown Danville.  The bed and breakfast is set in a classic southern mansion.  The three of us felt a little out of our leagues because we are far from fitting the "southern belle" mold :)

Saturday evening was the ceremony and reception.  We had a good laugh during the ceremony when the minister said the phrase, "social lubrication".  Caroline started laughing histerically and got some looks from people sitting next to us.  Despite Caroline's chuckles, the ceremony was beautiful.  The reception was a blast and the band rocked the house.  Ruthie was absolutely beautiful and looked so happy.

Sunday we packed up our things and then headed over to a family friend's house for brunch.  Ruthie's family and friends were absolutely wonderful.  They were so welcoming and friendly--They treated us like family.  There definitely is some truth to "southern hospitality." 

I sped through the description of the weekend, but sometimes our humor is over the top and just plain obnoxious.  HA! 

Next year's reunion will be in Grand Rapids, Michigan for Kris's wedding.  Can't wait!