Midwestern Tour

George and I test out brunch at the Leaf in Iowa City, IA

Our rapid tour of the midwest lasted only four-and-a-half days, but took us through all kinds of weather and people. Some people don't find this whirlwind type of activity relaxing. I do.

We live so far away that I needed to reconnect with friends. Jenney said it's easier to smash everyone in with the midwestern states being so close together. But this was also our first trip with the single goal of seeing multiple people, uninfluenced by scenery as we may have been come summer. It had a boosting affect on our moods and connectedness, which had been petering with the combination of relative friendlessness and winter weather. Driving conditions were optimal. Seriously. I was surprised too.

Myntha, our Iowa City guide, has fabulous taste in restaurants.

George was pretty proud of his real bacon,
though it doesn't help his heart go pitty-pat.

Dane and Ellie Britain attacked George with Packers gear
while he enjoyed the Barbie Nutcracker DVD (WI).

Jenney and I huddle in the backseat of the minivan, post-Superbowl.

Dawn, Melissa and me, together again at Jon's restaurant, al Vento, in Minneapolis.

Ryan and George, pretending to be old buddies.

My aunt Ellie

Cousins Alexa and Azjah

Nephew Patrick tries to give Poppy a kiss goodbye, but she's not having it.

Where we went & who we saw
To be brief, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Kansas. For the two hours when we weren't visiting anyone in Minneapolis, we were at Ikea. More on that later. We saw the Emmings, most of the Martins, Myntha, Paul, Jenney, Ellie, Dane, Melissa, Ryan, Kyle, Corey, Dawn, Ellie, Alexa, Azjah, Jennifer, and Tanner.

A few apologies. . .
This was a terrible trip for me and photos. I brought the camera, but it didn't seem to occur to me to use it often or well. Oops. Paul, I am sorry I didn't take a picture of you. It's not that you weren't pretty. Everyone, I am sorry that my hair had a bad trip. I hope you were happy to see me despite it. No promises of future greatness, but it looks pretty good now that I'm at home alone.