It all began Thursday as we headed out on our 6 hour journey to Omaha, NE for my little cousin Sara's wedding. (OK, so she's not so little anymore...when did all my little cousins grow into adults?!?!) I wasn't too worried about this part of the trip, since it would be at night. Anna was sure to sleep, right?! Well, she did fall asleep about an hour in...then she woke up. She was sure to fall asleep again soon, right?! As each moment passed I was even more sure that she would fall asleep at any second. It was after 8, and her bedtime is 7, so she must be tired. Only, I guess she wasn't because she sat in the backseat for about an hour and a half (until 9:30) just staring into space with her eyes wide open. At least she was quiet. Not sure what she was waiting for...i would've fallen asleep well before then if I hadn't felt guilty for leaving steve to drive in the dark alone. Finally asleep, and stayed that way until we arrived in Omaha around midnight. Off to bed we went...a long day was finally over.
Friday we were lucky enough to be invited over to my dear friends Brandi and Eric's house. Brandi and I were college roomies for a while and she had met Eric working at Boys town in college. Now they live and work in Omaha and have 2 sweet little boys. They had us, and another college friend--Emily, over for a DELICIOUS lunch. I must get the recipe for those yummy panini sandwiches!!!!!!!! Lots of good talk later and it was time to take my 2 tired girls back to the hotel. Later that night it was more good conversation and food as we hit the rehearsal dinner at Sara's in-laws home. It was a beautiful sunny evening in a beautiful setting, add in some great italian food, some wonderful family and it was the perfect ending to our first day in Omaha.
Saturday was very busy. We hit the mall...I mean is a vacation complete without some shopping?! Then it was off to the wedding at St. Bernard's. It was a beautiful catholic ceremony (which says a lot since catholic masses are not really my cup o' tea). The priest was witty and made the homily very personal which I really appreciated. Another highlight was when my cousin-in-law (is there such a thing?) Gini, sang the Ava Maria. I swear it was the most beautiful thing I have ever heard! Then I think I almost started bawling when sara waved up to her school kids (she teaches 3rd grade) as she walked out of the church newly married. I think they were just as excited as anyone there...what a memory for them! Later that night...after a nap and a swim...we headed out to celebrate the big event. It was another great opportunity to catch up with relatives we see much too rarely, drink some...ok, a lot...of cocktails, and dance a dance for two--yes, I actually danced. Grabbed a cab home and called it a night.
Sunday was the day I was dreading. Up and out by 8am. I was nervous all week about how Anna would do on this drive. Night driving in one thing...almost guaranteed a lot of sleep time, but day time driving was a whole different deal. We had no idea what to expect from Anna during this time of day. Luckily, we had about a repeat performance...up for a while, asleep for an hour, up for a while, asleep for another couple of hours until we pull into home. Amazing...6 hours and only a few wimpers. I'll take it!
It was a great weekend,couldn't have asked for a nicer time, but so glad to be home again. It's our last week of school and it doesn't seem possible, but summer vacation is right around the bend. Ahhhhhh...I can't wait!
Some pics from the weekend...unfortunately, no good wedding pics (we need a new camera...they all turned out too dark!!!) or pics of the college friends (I must be better at remmebering to use the camera!) But some cute ones of anna outside the church and a few cute ones at the reception...enjoy...
