[Brat]

first of all, congratulations on the blessed event! what a loving mom to plan to celebrate this special occasion in a place that will be memorable and significant.

you know, i remember being really stressed out about my daughter's dedication--and the whole thing, ceremony and reception, were held in our backyard. whatever you decide to do, especially with traveling with a little one who may be out of sorts, keep it simple! the best advice i got in these forums was to focus on the beauty of the sacrament, do what you can to make the location convenient, but don't overdo it on accomodating attendees.

but did i listen...hmmm....

if i were you, since you are out of town, i'd get recommendations for an inexpensive, quiet restaurant with a good reputation for service and a private banquet room. that takes the pressure off you for decorating ahead of time, and for catering to everyone. i was running around like a nut between our kitchen and our backyard, and meanwhile my dd was screaming her head off because they were all these people in her house, and mommy wasn't holding her. of course my friends and family were lending a hand, but still, i felt pressured to entertain. i also didn't think ahead of time that dd would be cranky from shots the day before; your daughter may be overstimulated from the plane ride and new surroundings. for the record, i also had it catered--lasagna, fettucine alfredo, salad, bread--so you would think i would be relaxed. not me.

all in all, everyone told us they had a wonderful time, and it was great how everyone lingered and socialized. at the end of the day, i was happy and content, but it was more difficult to get "into" the ceremony because i had so much on my mind.

if you're not into a restaurant, i like the idea of a park, too. i'd get it catered, spread out the food on a couple of tables and let people help themselves. everyone likes a simple sunday fried chicken dinner.

ooops! i think i remember that you are a vegetarian so i take that back.

clean up a park is just tossing everything into a trash can, rather than worrying about cleaning up a hall. but i hope no one who had that idea takes that as a slam. it could be the best way of all--especially because no one has to travel to a different locaton if they just have to stroll over to a room at the same location. anyways, i'm just remembering my martha-stewart-in-overdrive entertaining at dd's dedication, and the simpler the better.

again, congratulations, lisa!!!