1. Had some great time with my uncle and aunt from Kentucky who were also in for the wedding. We ate at one of my aunt’s favorite restaurants on Friday afternoon down in the Plaza. The food really was stellar. Shared a turkey wrap with my mom and indulged in a bowl of butternut squash soup. With all this fall weather now upon us, I’m thinking this will be something I recreate soon.
2. On Saturday morning, I found a great running trail near my hotel and managed to get in an easy 6 mile run. It truly was the perfect fall morning for a run in a very scenic (and, may I add, hilly?) part of the Kansas City area.
3. On Saturday afternoon, I managed to kidnap the hotel lobby television and watch the OU/Texas game with some – go figure – OSU Cowboys fans. They were very kind to mourn with me over my team’s utter failure to show up to the game. . . though I’m fairly certain that secretly they were gloating on the inside.
4. Enjoyed seeing one of my younger cousin’s get married. A ranch just outside of Kansas City was the perfect idyllic setting for an October wedding. The day really couldn’t have been more perfect. I love this picture I caught of my aunt and uncle embracing each other as they watched their son wait in anticipation of seeing his bride for the first time.
5. And the party following was pretty fantastic as well. At least, that’s what I kept telling the pounding in my head the next morning! Ha. My uncle Gayle has recently gotten into brewing and his pale ale was featured at the wedding. I am not a beer fan but I tried it and it really was tasty. And, instead of the traditional wedding cake, there were all kind of pies. I’m willing to bet there wasn’t a slice left…the pies were definitely a hit!
6. My favorite accomplishment of the weekend may have been taking a selfie picture I didn’t actually hate. Which one do you like?
I feel like I’m growing in my selfie photography abilities.
Of course, that could have had something to do with this:
or this:
or this:
But more on those “thises” later.
It truly was great to catch up with extended family even though so many were missing. I found myself somewhat nostalgic about days of the past. My younger cousins would hardly be pleased to be reminded that I once babysat them and changed their diapers but those are most of my significant memories with them. To be honest, it is sad to me that distance has moved many of these extended family relationships into almost extinction since grandparents who anchored the family with reasons to reunite have since passed. Being together again definitely reignited a wish to see everyone gathered in the near future soon. Hopefully the arrival of another cousin’s little one in December will give us another opportunity to reunite and celebrate soon!
See Stormie Run 