OK. What I said about just inviting you so the kids could come was mean. Hopefully you know I was just joking. But you should have figured out by now that we really want you to bring them along. Here are a few things you should know so we all have a good time.

Each raft will have a guide. We'll be providing life jackets and helmets. The commercial outfitters on the New River average at a 6 year old minimum age for the Middle New (from Dunglen to Cunard) and a 12 year old limit for the Lower New (Cunard to Fayette Station). We are going with those age limits as well.

The section from Dunglen is very mild, with only one real rapid that is easy to skirt, especially in late June. The lower new has class III to class V rapids. See http://www.nps.gov/neri/whitewater_private.htm for information. If you are not comfortable with your child going down class III to V rapids, they can get out at Cunard. Keep in mind that June is not typically a rainy month in the area, and the rapids are likely to be somewhat less intense.

Both the wedding site and reception sites are kid friendly, but not kid proof. If your child cannot swim, please keep a close eye on him or her. They aren't easy to replace. If you want to dress up the little ones, great. But remember they will be running around outside with their new friends. I would hate for them to miss out on something fun like a scavenger hunt or capture the flag just to keep the new clothes clean. One word: sneakers.

I'm still working on the childcare situation. If enough parents and others want to skip the rafting part and watch the youngsters, we'll just let them hang out by the river. There's a lot to do there, including a nature hike and walking across the river bridge to the old train depot.

We'll have lunch and water available, so nothing to worry about on that front. There are two bathrooms at the wedding site, so unless everyone has to go at once it should be fine.

If you don't want to raft and do want to hang out with the kids, let me know. Once we have the response cards back and know the numbers, then we'll get things organized.

Have a suggestion? Email me at lauraehow@earthlink.net. I would like to hear your ideas. Amazing prizes will be awarded to the most creative and most practical childcare solutions. You could be a winner.

Finally, if your child has a food allergy, please let us know. We are providing lots of food and want to be sure your little ones can eat with us.