The Somewhat Calm Before...

In such a short time, how our world has changed. Just last week, Paul and I were on vacation in Breckenridge, Colorado with four couples - college friends. We knew Covid 19 was spreading, but only a couple cases had popped up in Colorado. We took along hand sanitizer and washed our hands frequently. As we left Colorado last Saturday, we received notice that we should self-quarantine as several more cases of the virus had appeared in the resort area during the week.

Now we are laying low at home - venturing out for essentials. Just like many of you! So I'm writing this blog, filling time - and I'm waiting for my next turn at painting our walk-in closet. Paul is taking out shelving right now. Such fun!

The trip seems so long ago already! We drove out to Denver on Friday, March, 6 - handwashing and elbow door opening our way across Nebraska. Destination - Amy and Corey's place! We hadn't seen them since Thanksgiving. So it was great to get together at their place near downtown Denver. The weather was fabulous - upper 60's and sunny. I got a dog fix - hanging with the kiddos' pups Franklin and Eros.

Aunt Marty and me

Amy and Corey had a friend's baby shower to attend on Saturday and we took the opportunity to visit my Aunt Marty (she says she's 87 years old but is not elderly) and my cousin Amy Brownlee and husband Tom. We love catching up with them, hearing about their family and great trip to Hawaii just after Christmas.

After that, we headed back to the Park place. Paul and I enjoy walking in Amy and Corey's neighborhood - a mix of new development and quaint updated older homes, with restaurants and some retail within walking distance. We had lunch at a place called Root Down where I had the best Eggs Benedict ever. That afternoon we joined at Kansas State pal of Amy's at an Iowa State bar near the Coors Field to watch KSU blast Iowa State in Men's basketball. Great Cyclone crowd and the bar owner was fun to talk to - helping take away the sting of an awful hoops season. That night it was Chinese takeout, just enjoying our time with our kids.

Post brunch pic with Jordan and Jill

On Sunday we met my niece Jordan and wife Jill for brunch. So nice to see them! They recently went to Lake Chapala, Mexico to visit my sis Susi and husband Jim as that is where they winter. Visiting Denver affords us a great opportunity to see so many loved ones.

Our college pals arrived mid-afternoon Sunday. Moose and Kay drove from the Chicago area and picked up Vicki and Fred at the airport. It was nice they got to spend some time with Amy and especially Corey as they'd never really been around him except for their wedding - which didn't allow for much quality time. We went to a place called Milk Market - many vendors under one roof.

Milk Market grub

On Monday we headed up the big hill to Breckenridge - checking into a nice "ski-in" condo that Fred found. Two more couples - Tom and Shirley and Mike and Paula (from Paul's side of the college friend tree) had reserved their own condo - and it was just around the corner from ours!

A few of the skiers

The birthday girl had a sash! 

Did I mention this is the 40th anniversary of a spring break trip to Breckenridge? It was my senior year of college - 1980. Paul, Vicki, Fred, Mike, and Tom were there as we packed into a huge condo along with about 15 other people. It was a blast! This time we were a bit more sedate! And I haven't skied for close to 20 years, so it wasn't on my list of things to do. Paul and some others skied 3 days - and we heard a bit about everyone's aches and pains (even from me - a non-skier haha).

We had a ball! Just hanging out with this gang is fun. In our condo is the group that went to Alaska together last summer - good memories there. It was Paula's birthday on Wednesday so we went to their place for a big party (lasted until 9 PM) that night. Did I mention how nice it is to be with friends we've known for 40 plus years? Tom and Shirley live in New York, Mike and Paula near LaCrosse, Wisconsin, Moose and Kay live just north of Chicago and Vicki and Fred live south of the Twin Cities in Minnesota. Yep, we're the only Iowans.

Breckenridge Distillery

Up to Peak 9

During the week, we visited a distillery, shopped, and rode up the Gondola. On Thursday we all met at a barbecue in downtown Breckenridge. On Friday the whole group drove up to Vail to visit my sister Cindy and eat at my nephew Colby's restaurant, El Sabor in Lion's Head. Vicki has known Cindo since spring break our Freshman year when we slept on her fold-out bed and skied Vail. We reminisced about that trip on Friday - what knuckleheads we were - dragging out hanging clothes, for a ski trip, riding on shuttles. Did we think we'd be going to discos? Vic and I skied every spring break when we were in college.

Delish lunch with friends at El Sabor - Colby treated us right

Paul and I were excited to stay at Cindy's Friday night - since we missed our usual Christmas get-together due to health issues. That night we went to our friends Bonnie and Eric's for supper - just like Christmas without the prime rib! Bonnie did make a yummy shrimp salad. I had fun playing catch with their dog Dodger. It was nice to catch up with them. Their son Byron is getting married this summer...just the other day he was a high school senior..haha. On Saturday, Vail shut down the mountain - including food service that Eric is in charge of. Now Colby's restaurant is closed too - after that, Iowa followed, shutting schools and eat in restaurants. 

Dodger wants to play fetch!

Our trip home Saturday was uneventful. Now, just like you - we are living in a different world, praying for good health for all. And for our medical professionals. Our April Florida trip is canceled and a sister trip to France planned for May is not likely to take place. Not really that important compared to health and people's livelihoods. Still, disappointing. The uncertainty is the worst part - will it be weeks, months? Will we all end up getting it? Nobody knows.

Sending good thoughts and karma to all. Cherishing my time with family and friends. Will try to stay in touch in all the ways I can. I hope you will too. We need each other! 

Big D Reputation, New Place

The was a short work week - but somehow it didn't feel like it. Did I pack 40 hours of work into 31? Hmmm, feels like it! Oh well. I'm off now - it's sunny and I'm blogging.

We drove Paul's truck out to Colorado last weekend. It was filled with Amy and Corey projects! Plus our undies for the trip. haha. I'm always paranoid I haven't packed right for the trip - but I haven't forgotten undies yet.

We drove partway Thursday night - staying in Kearney. Denver was only a few hours from there - so we arrived before noon. This year we didn't surprise Amy by showing up a day earlier than planned. In our defense, we did let her know when we were a few hours out from her place.

I enjoyed sitting on the rooftop deck at their new townhome. Amy's been working hard to decorate the place. It's looking good. She and Corey enjoy having their very own home. While I relaxed rooftop, the gang installed the "floating" nightstands Paul built out of maple. Our children's wishes are Paul's command. They turned out swell - one on each side of the bed. He also made a bike rack for the garage, similar to the one on our wall. He's started working on a bookshelf for Jud and Kara already.

That night we Ubered (is that a verb?) to Euclid Hall, our family "go-to" restaurant in downtown. We met niece Jordan and wife Jill to have drinks and dinner before the Taylor Swift concert. Loved catching up with them. We heard about their trip to LA for niece Leslie's baby shower a couple weekends ago. So excited for Baby Girl Lopez to join brother James and daddy Jordan. And of course Mommy Leslie.

Yep, we're ready to rock at TS

The TS concert at Mile High stadium was the most awesome production I've ever attended! Video, fireworks, she rode in a pod to a small stage below us. 58,000 people were there.Taylor sang all the songs from her newest album, Reputation - yay because I downloaded it last fall. Paul wasn't as enthusiastic as I was, but he and Corey are man enough to take their women to a concert.

When we all streamed out of the stadium, drunk on music love, it was difficult to hail an Uber. So we walked several blocks, an after about an hour we finally got a ride. The dogs were happy to see us when we arrived back at the townhouse.

Did I mention the two canines? Corey and Amy have had Franklin (a rescue weenie) for a couple of years. Eros is a new addition to their family. He's a nine-year-old mutt who is very sweet. Franks gave me a couple ankle licks. I pined for Odie then.

 Shopping was in order Saturday. That night our mission was an Escape Room at Puzzah. If I wasn't with the best, smartest team, I'd still be locked in the room (no not really because they let you out after an hour. Team Cyclone-Tiger finished in 51 minutes. Bestest! We had a drink at a speakeasy, and dinner at Ted's Montana Grill. I love hanging out with my kids.

Kickass team

Sunday took us to the Vail area where my sister lives. We solved more puzzles - by assembling deck furniture for Cindo's side deck. Memorial weekend is also mulch the berm time - 25 bags worth. Too bad Cindy sounded like those raspy-voiced characters on the Simpson. She had a bad cough and she looked exhausted. Of course, she insisted on forging ahead on a dinner party for us, her son Colby and gf Gretchen. Delish as usual. Loved catching up with everyone, especially Colby, who went on a recent fishing excursion to Christmas Island - nirvana for him. Then he and Gretchen did a long weekend in Chicago, attending a 30 something course meal. Yikes!

We took off early Monday morning (sorry for the early wake-up call Corey/Amy). I never enjoy the trip home like the one out. Nebraska was beautiful Thursday night western NE was green and luscious On the way home, we didn't hit the "wall of heat" until we cleared clouds and rain around Grand Island. I always like getting home, but the house is still empty without my Odie girl.

The good thing about this week is that Amy is visiting. She arrived Wednesday evening for a couple work-related meetings. This weekend she'll travel to Galena with girlfriends for Jenna's bachelorette party. Sounds like fun - but I wasn't invited. Maybe Paul and I will be able to get our kayaks out.

Feeling the love part 4

Four weddings (and no funerals) since late July. Jordan and Jill 9/20/2017. Paul and I were very happy to witness their marriage, together with many of the couple's family and friends. It was grand!

We actually flew to Denver this trip. We've traveled to Colorado by car so many times the gas station attendants along the route know us by name. (no, not really) Paul had never actually exited the Denver airport before - he'd just flown through. Flying was a big deal! Amy collected us curbside in Dave the car. Franklin (the wonder wienie) and Corey were back at the ranch - their apartment not far from downtown Denver.

It's so weird to think of Amy and Corey as husband and wife. I'm still getting used to seeing Jud sporting a wedding ring!

Look at that blue sky! Last year we ate chili in PA with the Parks

On Friday we attended a benefit chili festival put on by firefighters from around the country. It was on Larimer Street on a beautiful Denver day. Amy had helped a guy re-brand his chili powder and he had donated all the bowls for the day. Pretty cool, and the chili was great. 

View from Pottorff's condo

That evening our peeps started to arrive. Logistics boggle my mind, but somehow - through the magic of Uber and Google Maps, we conquered! Cindy hooked us up with awesome accommodations for Friday and Saturday. Our pals Bonnie and Eric (yes, of Christmas Dinner prime rib fame) have a primo place in the Spire in downtown Denver to go along with their lovely home in Edwards. Yep, the best of both worlds! It's super cool, with a view of Rockies stadium and they split tickets to games with other Spire owners. I love how it's decorated - just right for the space and Paul was digging the large TV. We met Cindy there and settled in.

Later we met Jud, Kara, and Kohans (Betsy, Wayne, son Paul and his gf Christine) at a little place called the Corner Office. It was fun catching up. At the last wedding (Amy & Corey's) we didn't get to chat much. Amy and Corey were at the rehearsal dinner. Later, all the youngsters ended at Amy and Corey's place for a few drinks. I love that they like hanging out. My niece Leslie's husband Jordan (not to be confused with her sis Jordan) seems to be a bit of an instigator. He kept them up late, coming up with interesting topics to discuss.

Doing the prep thing

On Saturday, Cindy, Paul and I took a long walk and settled into Sam's 3 for a big breakfast. Then we heard from Amy that Sister Susi (at the venue getting ready) was experiencing FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) and wished for some visitors. Betso, Christine and I Ubered over to the venue and checked it out. We got to meet Jill's parents and chat with Susi, Jordan, Amy, and Les in the totally cool urban warehouse venue. After, we met up with the rest of the gang at Lucky Strike, a bowling alley in downtown, until it was time to get ready for the main event.

Look at this wedding cake topper - clones of the brides! 

Some jubilant faces

Ashley Alvillar and Amy are beaming, David Alvillar in the foreground

The wedding was so beautiful. Susi looked gorgeous with her lovely silver hair and gown. There was a solo of the song "I Want to Hold Your Hand". If you haven't seen the video, it includes the vows which say so much about how these two people feel about each other. The ceremony was perfect and Jordan's dress was so perfect. Jill was killing it in her outfit - it was so Jill. 

4 of my fave guys. Corey - not so secretly watching the Clemson game...

Susi with grandson James - so fun watching them interact

We got to see so many of our family members again! My cousins, the Lamms, with the family matriarch, Aunt Marty. Again - I love that we dig each other. I liked watching Marty watch her grandkids have fun together. I got to finally meet our great nephews James and Jonah and see David and Ashley Alvillar for the first time in a long while. One of my favorite parts of the evening was watching the three Alvillar siblings dance to - you guessed it, my song selection, "Love Shack".  Tin Roof...Rusted. Kara made sure that Paul, Cindy and I had the appropriate photos taken - for the guest book and at the photo booth. #shessosmart.

With Aunt Marty. Somebody took a cousin pic - but I didn't get a copy, hint, hint

It was much harder to say goodbye to everyone at this wedding - because I don't know when I'll see some of them again. Ugh. But...there is the Kohan wedding next August - so we have that going for us. Getting excited for Alex and Lisa!

Congrats again to Jordan and Jill. They have faced adversity because of who they are. It isn't easy to be someone who because of who they are, they do not conform to other's expectations and closely held beliefs. They are difference makers, helping to show that love is universal. We need more of it.

I swiped this photo off of Facebook - so good. 

We got to get together with just our kids on Sunday after Cindo dropped us off. I have to admit, I wasn't ready to leave! We walked to a food court type place for a bite - then Corey took off to host clients at the Broncos game and Amy delivered the rest of us to DIA for our flights. Can't wait to see them all again for Thanksgiving in STL!

The rest of the story

The rest of the wedding weekend was pretty fun too. Paul and I took off Wednesday afternoon. I have to admit, it was hard to concentrate at work that morning.

We arrived at Amy and Corey's new apartment in Denver before 10 a.m. It was looking pretty good, considering they were hosting a variety of groomsmen! Cool complex with a pool and grilling area.

Jud and Kara's flight arrived that morning and we collected to pick them up at Denver's Union Station downtown. They took the light rail in. Amy and her bestie Megan, Jud, Kara, Paul and I lunched at a burger joint with frosty beers that reminded me of my dad who loved icy cold Old Milwaukee. Then the girls got our nails done while the guys checked into the hotel. Meanwhile, Corey was coming back from his bachelor party in Winter Park. #notmuchsleep

That night, the meeting of the parents finally happened. We met Shirl and Jeff Park for a drink at the hotel. I'd seen lots of photos since I put together the slide show, so I felt I already knew them. We discovered we are four people so proud of our great kids. It was a mutual admiration meeting. haha. They were off to meet with family for a late supper.

We headed to "our place", Euclid Hall. It's a restaurant in downtown that has a strange menu, but we tend to gather there. Amy and Corey had time for a quick drink before they were off for supper with the Parks. I was a happy mom with my kids. Later, more family began to trickle into town - Betsy's family and then Cindy. It was a fun first night.

Friday Paul and I walked to a little restaurant called Syrup near the hotel. The hostess noticed our ISU Cyclone gear and asked if we were graduates. She is a Cyclone too! We're everywhere. The boys were off with the Kohans guys to Broncos Training Camp. They had a great time. Of course, Paul loves the Packers the best, and Jud loves America's Team - Cowboys.

Later that morning, my Aunties, Martha and Jean - along with my sisters hosted a shower for Amy at Marty's place, Holly Creek Retirement Community in Centennial. It was a gorgeous day and the was event complete with cousins and bridesmaids. Aunt Marty told the story of her Great Aunties (I think they were Aldrichs - their Grandma Lulu's sisters) who would collect at Bullock's Store in Atlantic. They would hold court there and the Bullock kids - Dad, Marty and Jean would be expected to stop by and "kiss the ring" of each of them.

Rachelle, Amy, Julia with James

Bride with Great Aunties Jean and Marty 

Bridey with aunties and momma

Kara and Cindy

Bride with cousins Jordan and Leslie

The best part was - no games! And the food was really good. Amy and Corey will be stocked with kitchen gadgets for a long time! After the shower, I barely had time to change into my next dress. Yes, it was a new record for me - three dresses in one weekend. The rehearsal was at the hotel, followed by the dinner at a downtown restaurant called Ignite, near the Rockies Ballpark.  

The rehearsal dinner was on a rooftop. It was nice out - with a bit of a threat of a rain.

rooftop rehearsal dinner

Saturday morning, we had a Goldsmith breakfast at the hotel. Amy stayed at the hotel that night - and she knew she wouldn't have much time to talk to people at the reception. It was a perfect time to visit  with her aunts, uncles, and cousins who traveled to Denver for the event. In the meantime, Corey was hosting 6 or 7 wedding party members at their apartment. 

Paul and sibs at wedding

Next, it was onto girl time - covered in my last blog. It's Friday today - one week later. Wish I could do it all over again! 

What is Wuv?

Have you ever seen the cult classic movie Princess Bride? The clergyman, presiding over the wedding is very memorable.

The movie opening:

MAWAGE.

MAWAGE is wot bwings us togeder tooday.

MAWAGE, that bwessed awangment,

that dweam wifin a dweam...

And wuv, tru wuv, will fowow you foweva...

So tweasure your wuv

My sister Cindy was nervous about the ee cummings poem Amy asked her to read during Corey and her Denver Botanic Garden outdoor wedding ceremony. Amy wanted her very special Aunt to participate in Corey and her wedding.

So in good Bullock fashion, Cindy teased that she would instead read the Princess Bride movie opening above (complete with accent). All of us were concerned about getting weepy when Amy walked down the aisle with Paul. Cindy was going to lead with "What is Wuv?" Enter - Cindy's reading - problem solved.

We howled with laughter when Cindy went through this at the rehearsal dinner. Yes, we're good at diverting nerves and (and sadness in other occasions) with laughter. The candied bacon served at the dinner also helped. Thanks to Corey's folks for a nice dinner!

You know how when you plan events, the actual event doesn't always live up to expectations? Not a problem with the Park/Goldsmith wedding! Because the ceremony was outdoors, we watched several weather sites all week prior. Some were predicting a shower right at ceremony time. We lucked out with only a few sprinkles after the "I Do's" were done. Woohoo!

I coached myself to live in the moment. Thanks for all the advice before Jud and Kara's wedding and this one from friends and family. I must say I did a darn good job of enjoying each and every moment. I confess I downloaded a podcast for Paul and I me to listen to on our way out -"Crisis Management". Just in case, ya know.

My mom trained me to be this way. Fortunately, thanks to all of Amy's great planning (she comes from a line of great planners including parents and grandparents), super friends and a wedding planner, there were no crises to manage.

Secret life of chicks

This was my second time hanging out with the bridal party doing "girl stuff". Hair and makeup and listening to the gals talk is fun - especially with this crew of women, many whom I've known for a while. It is out of my comfort zone. When they use code words like, "finish up your mascara", I go into panic mode.

The girls talked of TV shows they like, friends, and styles as each person got beautified. I wished my own personal hair stylist, Sarah Darby had been there - but was pleased with the 'do and makeup. The hair was a bit puffy to start - but the stylist assured me be it would deflate - and it did. Phew. Hair teasing makes me panic!

Amy bought us each a Raygun tank top! Aren't the bridesmaids lovely? ! 

Then it was showtime - Amy put on her lovely dress! The look on Paul's face when he saw her was precious. We packed into the car to head to the Denver Botanic Garden - coordinating so we didn't run into the wedding fellas. The girls were sequestered in a basement room in the building where the reception was held. Jenna rocked at popping the champers.

Soon it was ceremony time! Time rushed forward so quickly. I walked out to the appointed area to see so many people that we love gathered to witness the marriage. It was breathtaking. Corey walked me up the aisle, and both of us managed not to hyperventilate. He was nervous. I tried to be the voice of reason - calming us both down.

pre-game face

Corey's father, Jeff, was the celebrant. He did a fantastic job, putting the couple at ease and managing the ceremony.

Cindy did the first reading:

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in

my heart) ee cummings

i carry your hear with me (i carry it in my heart)i am never without it(anywhere

i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done

by only me is your doing,my darling)

                                                      i fear

no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want

no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)

and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant

and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows

(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud

and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows

higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)

and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

During Cindy's reading, my Aunt Marty held my hand. I was touched and grateful, thinking of how proud my parents would have been to be there. Paul's sister Carol also sat in the front row with us - representing the Goldsmiths. George and Laura were beaming down from above.

Corey has mentioned several times how he happy he is to marry into two crazy big extended strong loving families. We were fortunate to meet some of his family members during this event and Amy enjoyed traveling to California to meet his grandparents.

Thanks Larry Peterson for this photo (the bride's mother was successful at living in the moment and not snapping pics) 

The second reading was equally touching - I must get a copy from Amy. Corey and Amy each wrote their vows. I don't have a copy of them, but let's just say Amy's were "so Amy". The exchange of rings went very quickly and soon the ceremony was over - it was photo and party time!

The bride and groom had ordered up their fave drinks to be served there at the garden after the ceremony. A few raindrops fell! Guests mingled and hugged. And sipped. It was lucky that clouds moved in - otherwise, it would have been hot!

Love this pic

When one weds at the Botanic Garden, they select from caterers offered by that venue. This one makes really yummy food. I've now tried a pork belly, tiny donut hors d'oeuvres. And I'm proud to report that the caterer didn't have to return much liquor and even sent out for a bit more gin. That's how we roll! Except for the gin part? Coors Light was gone early but people coped by drinking other beer. Let's hear it for Uber - the app that provides drivers for everyone.

Amy with Megan (former Denver roomie)

After the meal, the toasts began. Corey's brother Andrew helped re-write the words to a Hamilton song. Amy's best gal Megan sang them in awesome fashion with the rest of the bridesmaids as backup singers. Then, Corey popped on shades and sang a verse. It was adorable. Amy's smile said it all.

Corey's brother also gave his own superb speech, followed by our son Judson who mentioned our little angel Patrick. He welcomed Corey to our wacky fam. Paul was last. I noticed he avoided drinking much alcohol prior to his speech - wanted good delivery. He sure came through. The theme of the wedding was #amylearnstopark and I wrote the speech based on that. Paul edited the speech to make it his voice. He'd been practicing while he rode his bike. Well done, honey!

Through tears, snapped this pic

The dances were next. That's when I finally snapped. Amy selected "End of the Innocence" by Don Henley for her dance with Paul. That song contains many memories of the kids growing up. As I stood trying to get a good pic of them dancing, I tried to hold my face to stop the tears - I have to admit I was not successful.

Next thing I knew, Susi and Jud were hugging me and I was blubbering. I guess the whole joint noticed...ugh. Except Amy! Yay.

My kids! 

Did I mention Dave was there? Yep, Amy's beloved car, Dave the Honda (totaled recently due to giant Denver hail storm), was the photo booth. This idea came from someone's class reunion (Mel Pins?) photo. Suddenly the picture frame idea I had seemed boring. Dave must attend - a surprise for Amy! Paul came up with the perfect plans of how to do it. We used an actual photo, blown up, for the chassis. I purchased a steering wheel online (that $20 seemed so reasonable - but the $20 shipping!&%#!) and Paul crafted the rest. Check it out, above. And below.

Me with longtime pals Julia and Vicki

The Disc Jockey for the evening came recommended by niece Jordan. He was super - and the rented wooden floor was busy all night! There is not much I enjoy more than dancing with my friends and family. I am not a great dancer - so the photographer may need to burn a few shots. But it was sure fun shaking a leg and joining and watching the groups having fun.

One of the constants that we stressed all weekend and when we were planning for the wedding was how fortunate we are. Family and friends attended from far and wide. The August timing helped, and the location was a draw - part of the reason so many of my family members live in Colorado. My cousin Amy's daughter Kate caught the bouquet and nephew Alex snagged the garter. Way to go fam!

Of course, it was difficult to have meaningful conversations with everyone we would have liked to. Amy tried to "pre-talk" to family members before the reception, at her shower and breakfast with the Goldsmiths. It was a long trek for them to travel from Iowa and Wisconsin to Colorado. All too soon it was 11 p.m. and time to clear out. Some of the wedding party decided to head to a bar. I was done.

Paul, Jud, Kara, niece Leslie, her husband Jordan and I walked about 6 miles cross country to our Subaru, parked on a city street. Parking is scarce near the Botanic Garden. Niece Jordan and her fiance Jill also tagged along as Jordie had stuff in our car. That walk was a fitting and hilarious part of the evening. We returned to the hotel, chatting in the lounge until 1 a.m. Such fun talking to my namesake (okay we're both named after my grandpa Herbert Leslie) and her spouse.

When my head hit the pillow, I was awash with the feels. I could not sleep! Humbled and thankful for my family and friends. Random thoughts kept popping into my head. Don and Diana flew in after attending Phil's wedding in DSM Friday night. My former DSM roomie Joanie connected with them for a ride to the ceremony. Other Crestonites ran into each other on their way through NE.

College friends flew in and had to coordinate flights. Nephew Colby (and girlfriend/nurse Gretchen) traveled soon after breaking his back. Susi picked daughter Leslie and spouse Jordan up on her way to the Friday shower.

Corey's friends and fam arrived throughout the week (prior to the big Bachelor Party at Winter Park Wednesday Park). We picked Jud and Kara up Thursday at Union Station prior to lunch and chick time (nails).

Union Station lunch with Megan, such fun! Frosty beers - just like my dad liked 'em 

See - I'm doing it again. I couldn't stop! My nieces and nephews were dancing together with my cousins' kids. Many of the people I love were there in one room. It was awesome! Finally, listening to a book on my phone, I dropped off with a smile on my face. Oh, oh, foot cramp. haha. It was worth it! Stay tuned for offical pics of me sobbing.