Like Cousins

Lauren Behr got married last weekend! She's now a Wadzinski, wife of Patrick "Wad" Wadzinski.

We arrived at the chapel on the gorgeous St. Olaf campus in Northfield, MN with plenty of time to spare, but many people had been seated. I was the first of our group to be greeted by the usher. As he walked me up the aisle, he awaited word on where we'd like to be seated. "We're, like cousins," I blurted out. And he delivered us to a row right behind the groom's family. I wasn't going to complain that we were the bride's pretend cousins.

I have known Lauren since pre-birth. So that qualifies as cousin material - right? I've been around her through all stages of her life, especially when she was young and our families got together more frequently. Even later, when our family's paths didn't cross as often, I have kept track of Lauren through her mother and now on social media. She's grown up to be such a lovely young women. We were so happy to be able to attend her wedding.

Paul and I arrived in Northfield on Friday in time to go out for supper with friends Ann and Steve Hauser and Kay Wilt who was awaiting her husband and daughter Alyssa. They were flying in from a mission service project in Georgia. Over barbecue, we caught up on kids' activities and each other's lives.

Later, Paul and I headed to Froggy Bottoms, a fave Northfield pub to see the wedding party, post rehearsal. It was great to talk to Lauren and Patrick and hear about their honeymoon trip to Cuba! It sounds fascinating and I can't wait to see photos and hear about it - no credit cards, wifi or cash machines. Kinda sounds like my childhood - substitute the Cuban culture for Atlantic, IA. haha

catch up with our friends, the Behrs and family - especially Vicki's folks Barb and Jon whom I've known since 1976. Also, Vic's sis Krista who invited me to her 10th birthday party, noting that they'd pick all attendees up, but not me. Probably because I lived in Ames and she was in DeWitt. Yes, she's a bit younger than I am.

On Saturday, Wilts, Paul and I were on a mission to check out the new brew pubs in Northfield. They were great. In between, we did fit in a bit of shopping and lunch. At the second one, we were joined by Kay and Moose's daughter Jaime and her fiance Mike.

Then we were off to the wedding. We cleaned up nice.

Wilts with Mike

Hausers

 After the wedding, we briefly went back to the first brew pub - joined by the new Mr. & Mrs! The place was packed. The reception was lots of fun. My favorite moment was seeing the bride dancing with her mom and grandma. It makes me sad that my mom wasn't here to see Jud & Kara and now Amy and Corey get married.

After the meal at the reception, when all the speeches were done, the groom spoke. He said someone had told him to look around. So he did. He said they told him to drink it in that all of these people are here because of you! And that is overwhelming. Patrick got a little choked up at this point, and I did too. And that is what weddings celebrations like this are about.

One week from today Paul and I head out for Amy and Corey's wedding. They'll be surrounding themselves with people they love. I can't wait!

The wedding was perfect

Congratulations to the beautiful bride and her handsome groom. A good time was had by all, as the recording secretary used to say in the 4-H minutes. Amy left Denver the Monday before the wedding and drove through North Dakota - to cross another state off her list of places.

She stayed with Kelli and Toby that week - and was their wedding planner, by all accounts. The wedding program she designed turned out quite nicely. The kid does have a knack for that kind of thing. She's a trained professional you know! Kelli arranged for her to have a nice manicure.

Paul and I left our place just after noon Friday. We stopped for a cup of coffee with sis Carol in Northwood - at the Welcome Area near the Diamond Jo casino. It was nice to see her and get caught up on the Meyers kids. Then we were off again!

Moose (Steve) and Kay Wilt were already set up in the Country Inn in Northfield. Kay was having issues. It was too strange for her to be in a motel in Northfield! They almost always stay with the Behrs when they visit their daughters Jaime and Alyssa who attend the U. That's the University of Minnesota for those of you who don't speak Minnesotan. Jaime just graduated and will attend Physical Therapy School this fall. Lis will be a sophomore. The girls had headed to the city for a concert that night.

My pretty girl



Kay with Vicki and her mom Barb

 





 

Once Jud and Kara arrived, the six of us walked to Northfield's beautiful downtown to eat. It was fun having Jud there! He hadn't seen the gang for a long time, and they'd not yet met Kara. In the morning, the guys played golf early and the gals went to Behr's house to see the whole female wedding party makeup thing. Vic's mom Barb and sister Krista were there - it was so nice to see them. Amy's hair was done and she looked so pretty. They all had robes on, but Vicki's was extra special - it was a Lorraine Lingerie robe my dad had given her.

Lauren, Kara, Alyssa, Jaime

Kara and Jud



Kara, Kay, Jaime, Alyssa and I all went shopping downtown after that. I found earrings made of recycled inner tube and steel wire. Cool! There is also an oil and vinegar shop there - you can taste before you purchase. Very funky. We ran into the guys by the river - they were done with their golf game. After a rest, it was time to get ready for the wedding!

 

We got there early and were seated where we should be - near the front like we're family, of course. Prime photo position. Very classy ceremony - harpist, no organ and no soloist. The dresses were very pretty and Kelli looked regal coming up the aisle. Toby looked radiant awaiting her. I snuck a photo in during the ceremony, and then got some good ones afterward. Steve and Ann Hauser had arrived from the cities - another one of our college gang. I knew Moose and Steve before I met Paul!

 

Of course I made the fam get a group photo.

 

Greeting line

Love this shot

 

 

The reception was fun, though I ate so much I couldn't really do all my good moves on the dance floor. Of course nobody could tell...The fun thing was the photo booth set up upstairs. I've not heard of that before. We got a photo of the "gang" - all the Behr, Wilt and Goldsmith kids. We stayed until midnight, before finally giving it up. The DJ quit then anyway. A light rain was falling as we walked back to the motel. I'm sure the newlyweds didn't mind...

 

On Sunday we stopped at Behr's house on our way out of town. Jud and Kara took off before we did. It was hard to say goodbye to Barb and Jon - Vic's parents. Who knows when I'll see them again? Hmmm maybe Kelli's sis Lauren will get married next! Anyway - it was a very good time. And it really made me miss my buddies. We didn't get enough quality time with Vic and Fred. Or Moose and Kay for that matter. They all need to come to DSM to see our new place. First - my sis Cindo is coming with Bonnie. On Friday. Yippy!

Kelli and Amy a while ago

 

Hope you're having fun on your honeymoon Kelli and Toby. What am I saying - of course they are - they're in Mexico. They're newlyweds.