Iowa

Iowa
May 25-28 UA3513 IAH-MSP, UA6199 MSP-IAH

Normally we travel to Iowa for July 4th family gatherings.  However, Tom’s niece and nephew were both married in May, so we made our way to the wedding celebrations rather than a traditional family reunion.  There was a great turnout for the beautiful wedding in Des Moines, and we got to head back to Tom’s parents’ in Des Moines after the wedding for some additional family time.

May 26

After staying overnight in Minneapolis, we drove to Des Moines on Saturday morning with time to gather before the wedding. Although the day was clear and sunny, unfortunately there was record heat making the outdoor ceremony a little warmer than expected for late May. Fortunately it didn’t spoil the day, and we were happy to celebrate the beautiful wedding.

The Bride’s brother Ryan, officiating the wedding

Matt, the groom, making his way to the outdoor ceremony

Bride’s half-brother Eddie making his way down the aisle, with the mother and step mother of the bride

Bride Catie with father and step-father

The couple’s son Wilder was an active part of the ceremony

Vows

The kiss

The newly-wedded couple

Exiting the ceremony

Proud brother with his nephew

The hall decked out for the party

Niece Emily looking stylish

The cake with the natural wood and map theme

Ready for the reception

First dance

Tom’s father and proud grandfather

Happy family

Carol with Heather holding Carol’s grandson Calvin

May 27-28

We returned to the hall on Sunday to reconnect with family and watch the gift opening and then spent the rest of the weekend with Tom’s parents.