We drove to the airport early Sunday morning, the weather matching my mood as rain pitter pattered the windshield. I'm always sad to leave Minnesota and I don't think that will ever change. So many memories are linked to that place, handfuls of dear friends still reside there, a new family I get to call my own considers this state home, and two funky and eclectic cities sit waiting for more adventures and discoveries to be had. I usually get upset when people tell me I have a Minnesotan accent, but part of me secretly loves it. I have a little bit of Minnesota in me and that's ok.
Our time there was so special. We reconnected with many loved ones and packed our schedules full to the brim so that we made the most of it. We hit the ground running with preparations and bachelor/ette parties for our friends Tanner and Stacey's wedding. What a blast! Their wedding was so unique and lovely. Jake was the best man and did a wonderful job on his toast that became a rap while I helped prepare and serve food. We danced until the mosquitoes were as thick as the air in a barn transformed by twinkling lights and beautiful flowers.
Rehearsal dinner night
(top photos credit: Hilary Peterson, bottom Tanner's pop's i-phone :) )
During the weeks between the two weddings we attended, Jake had the opportunity to do a lot of artwork. God is so faithful to provide ways for Jake to express himself creatively, and sometimes even get paid to do it! The following photos are a youth room at his dad's church, a mural he painted almost two years ago that he added to, and signs for his sister Val's wedding.
Sadly I didn't do a very good job of taking pictures throughout the weeks during our day to day stuff. We met up with lots of friends, hung out with family, and did a little work on our fundraising. We are full of faith that God will provide for us during this next season and have been delighted to find people who will partner with us along the way.
Jake and I managed to fit in one date day during our trip and it was a very successful day indeed. We did two things that Jake hadn't done/gone to since he was a kid and he was so excited to share the experience with me. My personal favorite, was a kid bookstore named "Wild Rumpus." Picture this, cats and chickens roaming freely amidst the bookshelves, cages of birds, ferrets, lizards, rats, chinchillas, and tarantulas lined the walls and check out desk, a fish tank hidden in the bathroom mirror, a window in the floor so that you could see an animal cage below you, and a purple door with an opening only big enough for kids. We of course entered through the kids door and felt like we became children again as we explored the whimsical store. We also checked out some antiques, went on a trolly, ate terrific ice cream, and stopped for lunch at a fun and quirky spot.
And lastly we ended with Jake's sister's wedding. Taka's family flew in from Japan and stayed at the Paurus house for one night. It was fun to be around another culture and learn new words and traditions. The wedding was at a beautiful location. The decorations and lighting totally enhanced the surroundings and the weather cooperated perfectly. I got to help out with the flowers and enjoyed making boutonnieres, bouquets, and centerpieces. All in all it was a memorable day, and now we have a Japanese brother-in-law!
8 flower girls waiting to be let loose.
Jake's dad
Lil bro Ike being a rockstar
Cake that eventually ended up in the grass due to an accidental bump.
When we arrived back in PA we were met by sunshine and warm weather. Our apartment welcomed us back with only a few moldy forgotten things in the fridge and a comfy bed we missed. It's good to be back and we've jumped right into the swing of things. Now we're doing our best to persuade our family and friends to visit us out east next time :)
