Not everything He created was good...

Another weekend behind us and another story to share....

Michael's parents and my parents both came to Tulsa this weekend to visit. My parents primary reason for visiting was to take some pictures of us for the newspaper (announcing our engagement) and also some for the reception. Michael's parents decided to join the photo shoot so the 6 of us met at my place at 10:00 am and drove to the beautiful Woodward Park at 21st and Peoria. I've always seen people taking pictures there so I figured we might as well steal their idea and leave all creative thoughts alone. It was already very hot so we were hoping it would go by fast.

Everything started out great. Mom and dad were both taking pictures and Michael and I enjoyed being able to sit so close in our parents presence. :) We would walk 50 feet, see a neat spot, take a few pictures and then move on. The sun continued to play the bad guy so we kept walking further into the "forest" to stay in the shade. And then, it happened...

Michael and I were taking pictures next to this bush when I felt a little pain below my knee on my right leg. I just assumed I had scratched my leg while we traipsed around the park and tried to ignore the pain. We finished taking the picture and I went back to retrieve something when someone said "watch out, it looks like there are some...." That's all I heard before I looked down and saw that I had bees or wasps (we're still not sure) all over me. My legs, my arms, my shirt, my feet, COVERED. So of course I started screaming. Dad kept saying "calm down, they don't bite" (as I feel one, two, three, four hundred pricks of pain) and I don't remember it well but I'm sure I looked like I was on fire with the way I was running around. Of course I start crying as I realize that I have been attacked by some horrid family whose nest I interrupted.

So ended the photo shoot.

We walked back to the car and the tears refuse to stop. 50% out of pain, 50% out of complete embarrassment that my future in-laws are seeing me so upset. I was hoping to make it at least a couple of years before they found out I have the pain tolerance of a 2-year-old. My parents and I drove home while Michael and his parents went to the store to buy some Benadryl. I continued to fret. There was never a grand count, but the bites were between 8-10. 5 on my left arm (including 1 on a knuckle!), at least 2 on my stomach, and another 2 on my leg. They all hurt SO BAD! Michael's dad made some paste with baking soda and water and mom nursed my wounds. Dad was also tormented by the BEEzlebub family and had several of his own bites to deal with.

So there you have it. The photo shoot from hell. I will no longer drive by that park with pleasant thoughts. In fact, I might avoid it altogether.

On a happier note, the Benadryl made me so out of it that I don't remember much else that happened on Saturday. The bites stopped hurting that evening and now just itch. I'm really wondering how this creature made it on Noah's boat--it is 100% useless as far as I'm concerned. The 6 of us had a nice time together and my parents got some great shots pre-attack. I'm already kicking myself for an earlier post where I asked "What are the chances of everything else going that well for the next 3 months?" ARGH! :)

A ridiculous quote: "Listen! O, listen! Here come the hum the golden bees, underneath full blossomed trees, At once with glowing fruit and flowers crowned." (Right. Go to hell golden bees.)