True to our usual form, our vacation consisted of driving around the Midwest visiting family and relatives. This summer our trip was sandwiched between two family weddings, the first on the Shibata side and the second on the Meinhart side.
We began our journey on Friday the 16th. We departed from home, set on making good time to our destination, Dubuque, IA. We had no hang-ups or delays on the first leg of the trip when we met Grandma and Grandpa Shibata and Aunt Jess in Chesterton, IN for lunch. It was then decided that Marie would get to ride in Grandpa's new car, so we quickly swapped her car seat. The rest of the ride also went pretty smoothly considering the close proximity to Chicago as we drove around the need to stop a couple of times for potty breaks. The last part of the drive through northern IL was extremely scenic and hilly (causing minor car sickness), but about 10 hours after our time of departure, we arrived safe and sound.
We were just in time to partake in the authentic Brazilian BBQ hosted by Uncle David and Aunt Sharon. The kids were definitely not the shy type and made friends quickly. They played lawn games and Marie looked for tadpoles in the small pond with the bride and groom. Needless to say, everyone was beat by the time we got back to the hotel and settled in for the night.
The following morning, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Jess, the kids and I explored a little bit by heading to a walk along the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, there were LOTS of bugs and we didn't stick around too long. We drove around for awhile until we found a park where the kids could play and Jess and I could get in a quick jog.
The wedding was in the afternoon. Marie thought she was pretty big stuff sitting in the pew with the older cousins. The bride beautiful and the groom handsome as could be. It was definitely the first time I'd heard wedding vows in Portuguese! After a lunch reception, the kids took naps back and the hotel and everyone gathered back at Uncle David's for another BBQ and this time a bonfire with s'mores for everyone. It was a quick trip, but so great to see most of the Speckhard clan...we just don't have the chance to see them enough!
The following weekend, my cousin Eric got married down in good ole' Effingham. We figured the best way to get to both weddings would be to take the whole week as vacation. (I'll fill you in on what we did in the meantime in another post.)
Eric and Jenna's wedding was on Friday afternoon and evening. The weather was typical for July...hot. But, that didn't seem to phase the bride and groom in the least...they were all smiles. The reception was beautiful! It was obvious that both families had spent a lot of time preparing and decorating.
Marie and Joey didn't make it too long into the evening. By this point in the week, they were pretty pooped. Jon graciously offered to take them home and put them to bed while I stayed and caught up with family. Highlights included watching the groom and his 3 brothers race while doing the worm and hitting the photo booth with Twinkle Toes, Blondie, Giggle Butt, and Pee-Wee (you know who you are!). Extra points to anyone not previously mentioned that can remember my nickname. Ahhhh...the memories!
1 comment:
oh....legs......c
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