Friday morning we headed for a wedding reception in Indiana. Brian drove a little way and I have to say he did a great job. He’d just gotten his temporary license the day before. That is a post unto itself. Anyway, did we ever hit the traffic on the south side of Chicago. Urrrggg. I don’t think I would cry a single tear if that city broke off and fell into Lake Michigan. At least traveling would be faster. Our trip took almost an hour longer than it should have. We did make it in time for the kids to have a swim in the pool before we were off to a family BBQ. Unfortunately, it was raining so we were in the house, but we had a lovely time with family and friends. I talked to my cousin’s friend for a while and was able to give her my business card so she can recommend my book to her book club.

Saturday was my mom’s birthday, so to celebrate we went to Nappanee in the Indiana Amish area to do some shopping and have lunch. Great shopping – I’m going to have to go back because I didn’t get to see it all even – but so geared to tourism that I don’t think you really get the full Amish experience. I like our own little hidden Amish community that we go to when camping. We did have a great lunch before we headed back to the hotel for birthday cake, a swim in the pool (or a walk in the treadmill in my case – you can all be proud of me 🙂 and to get ready for the reception. They had a destination wedding in February, so no ceremony now. It was beach/luau themed. The food was good, got to catch up with some people, and even danced a little. Jonalyn LOVED the dancing and never slowed down.

Yesterday morning we enjoyed brunch at my cousin’s house before heading home. All in all, a wonderful weekend. This is my mom’s side of the family that we don’t get to see very often, so that made it special for her.

Enjoy the pictures! You’ll have to bear with me – the pictures from Saturday night are on my dad’s camera and they went on to visit my sister in Michigan, so I won’t get those for a little while. I’ll be sure to share them when I do.

My mom and her cake. Nothing fancy – I had to transport it from Wisconsin in the heat.

Checking Mom’s birthday wishes on Facebook.

Jonalyn and her new friend on the hammock.

My mom’s cousin on the left.

Getting ready to leave. The groom is the big guy towards the right. The bride is the woman to his right in the blue shorts.