Debuque, IA

Allison and Dan

Me, Allison and Jamie

Last weekend, Jamie and I drove down to Iowa to visit Allison and her fiancé Dan. Our trip was short, but we packed a lot into one day. Of course, the first night we got there we stayed up until wee hours to chat and catch up especially about Allison and Dan's wedding plans. After a pancake breakfast, we walked around the Arboretum (and watched part of an outdoor wedding), had a grilled lunch (thanks Dan!), went to the casino where Dan works, screamed and ran from swarms of fish flies (they were EVERYWHERE), shopped in a historic district (yes, they have a quilt shop!), rode the Fenelon Elevator, and visited one of Jamie's cousins!

A few of the fish flies

On the Fenelon Elevator - built in 1882

Birthday Celebrations

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Laura and Jake! We celebrated Laura and Jake's birthdays this afternoon at Bubba Gump Shrimp & Co. restaurant along with Kelly, Amma, Mom, and David. The food was great, and they made the birthday boy and girl stand up and do their "birthday shake!"

Luke & Jenna Stevens-Royer

Luke and Jenna tied the knot at Gustavus Adolphus in a beautiful ceremony they named "A Gathering of Spirits." The music, readings, message, wedding party, flowers- basically everything- was absolutely wonderful and very meaningful.

They had a prereception outdoors with music by a talented cellist, sparkling lemonade and snacks. This is where we saw them drive by in an old Ford motor car with other antique cars following behind with the wedding party in tow. The reception was also beautifully decorated. We sat with Lisa and Angie Boeck and my friend Holly from high school and her roommate. They had a very tasty dinner with wine and champagne, a fun slide show that showed them growing up side by side, a beautiful and yummy cake, and a fun and energetic dance. Oh, and they also had a tropical candy buffet!


Congratulations Luke and Jenna!

Jake's Birthday

Even with their and our busy schedules, we managed to have Jake and Kelly over for an impromptu birthday dinner. Josh threw together some yummy shish kabobs, and I baked the "Death by Chocolate Cake." It was great to finally have them over! Happy Birthday Jake!

Afton State Park