Trip to Minnesota

Carter and I were able to go to Morris, Minnesota (Carter's hometown) this past week to visit his family and to celebrate our marriage with family and friends there.  We really enjoyed the trip, but it started off a little rocky.  Carter left for a service call that was "supposed" to be approximately 4 hours and he ended up having to work for a full 24 hours!  He arrived home at 8:30 am the morning we left and we finally hit the road at about 10 (yes, we drove).  We dropped Micah off at Aubree's house on our way out of town.  I have to admit, I did get a little teary eyed leaving her.  I can't imagine how I will be when we have human babies!  Malachi stayed home and Aubree came and checked on him and loved on him periodically while we were gone.

I drove the first 8 hours so that Carter could try to get some rest since he didn't sleep.  Then we switched for the last few hours of the 1st day's drive.  We stayed in Nebraska City, Nebraska.  We got the last room at the hotel we pulled into, and ended up snuggled closely in a double bed.  Not quite the queen we are used to, but we survived!  We got up and hit the road again at about 10 am.  My Mom and Dad were also able to make the trip, they were about 2 hours ahead.  They decided to wait on us so that they could follow us for the remainder of the trip.  We met them in Omaha, Nebraska and had lunch.  

We finally made it to Morris, Minnesota at about 7:15 pm on Friday.  Momma-D and Poppy made the long journey to Minnesota as well, and arrived one day earlier, on Thursday evening.  The whole clan was welcomed by Carter's parents, Mike and Vicky at their home.  Vicky cooked a wonderful meal of sloppy joes.  

Saturday was the day of our Wedding Reception.  The reception was very nice!  Vicky, Megan, and Kaylee did a fantastic job decorating and preparing.  Vicky made several poster boards with our wedding pictures.  They were so neat!  We had a fantastic bar-b-que meal with TONS of great desserts.  A lot of Carter's friends were able to make it, so we really had a good time!  I got to meet many of the Brandt's family and friends.  After the meal we had a dance.  I think everyone REALLY enjoyed the dance!  

The reception decorations

Vicky & Carter's "1st dance"

Mike & Megan

Poppy & Ann getting their dancing shoes on!

Carter and some of the girls

The Brandt's

Towards the end of the night, the microphone started getting passed around.  Everyone was taking turns singing...even Dad!

Dad & Carter singing a duet

Carter & Megan trying a duet

On Sunday we all took the day to recuperate from Saturday's festivities.  Lucky for us, the band City Harmonic happened to be doing a free concert at Carter's home church in Cyrus, Minnesota on Sunday evening.  Mike and Vicky, Kaylee, Carter and myself, Mom and Dad, and Momma-D and Poppy all were fortunate enough to attend.  We had a great time, except for it was a little loud even for Carter and I, so you can imagine what the others thought!  

Sunday was also.....MY BIRTHDAY!  I turned 24 and Monday was going to be Carter's 26th birthday. Mom and Dad were going to leave on Monday, so they wanted to take Carter and I some place nice to eat.  Momma-D, Poppy, Mom, Dad, Carter, and I all went to a neat place in Starbuck, Minnesota on Lake Minnewaska called, Water's Edge.  We all had walleye (a type of fish) and loved it...even Dad who is a bit pickier.

Carter & Dad looking out at the water on the end of the dock

Momma-D & Poppy

Mom & Dad

My sweet husband & I

On the way back to Morris, there was a huge thunderstorm with LOTS of lightening!  It was kind of neat, both the lightening and to see RAIN!  The folks in Minnesota weren't near as impressed with all of the rain.  They have water standing EVERYWHERE and their lakes are overflowing from so much rain.    The weather while we were in Minnesota was hot and humid!  The weather in the summer is typically beautiful with cooler nights and slight humidity.  We brought the heat with us I guess!  We were sure hoping we would bring the rain back to Texas with us too, but so far, no luck!

Mom and Dad left on Monday and Momma-D and Poppy were going to do some further traveling before heading back to Texas.  It was really neat for my family to get the opportunity to spend time with Carter's family and to see where Carter is from.  Carter and I hung out with the family and got to spend some time with a few of his friends from high school.  Overall, it was a fun and relaxing week!

We got home on Friday afternoon and were so glad to see our "fur babies," Micah and Malachi.  We also REALLY enjoyed sleeping in our own bed.  We have settled back in our home and are back to the grind!  We feel so incredibly blessed to have families who love us and do so much for us and for the outpouring of love and support we have received from ALL of our family and friends!  Thanks to all of you for everything that you have done!  We love you all!