A wedding in Cedar Rapids

I had a fun little trip down to Cedar Rapids this weekend for Shannon's wedding — my first cousin once removed. She was also the flower girl at my own wedding, so it was very cool to be able to be there when she tied the knot.

I drove on down bright and early Friday morning, grabbing some breakfast pizza at Casey's and listening to some Jordan Peterson over the four-hour drive. I did a little sightseeing on the way, dropping by Adair to see the Smiley Face water tower, the Freedom Rock further up the road, and then getting a selfie with some cornstalks. Then I took a detour to Tama to see the Lincoln Highway bridge. I've been a fan of the Lincoln Highway for a while now — it's as much a part of American history as the Oregon Trail and Route 66, and it just happens to run both through Omaha and past the church where my parents got married.

Then in Cedar Rapids, I met up with my folks at the Flying Weenie for lunch, grabbing a half-pound hot dog that kept me going most of the day. Then afterward, we drove up Mt. Vernon Road to visit Valley View Church (which now called "CrossLife"). This place has a long history with my family — it's where my parents were married, where my grandma and grandpa had their funerals, and where I was baptized with my dad back in 2003. It was also our go-to place on family visits, such as my cousin Laura's wedding or family reunions or just our church on Sunday when we visited for a holiday. It may serve as a spot for a future family reunion. We'll see.

I checked in to the hotel and got in a nice walk on the nature trail next door before getting a shower and changing for the wedding. My hotel in Coralville was just six minutes away from the venue in Tiffin, which was convenient. I saw plenty of familiar faces there, including the four Geho girls and a bunch of their kids I hadn't seen in at least seven years — many of whom have kids of their own now. My Uncle Ben did the opening prayer and the groom's father, who is a Pastor, did the ceremony. I naturally snapped photos all the while, finding me in a few convenient spots for a nice shot while trying not to get in the way of the actual photographers.

We had some dessert and dancing inside afterward, as well as some Brazilian cheese bread (Pão de Queijo). We had all the typical wedding elements, from the cake-cutting to the dances with mom and dad. There were some very tasty cupcakes in lieu of the actual cake (which seemed to be cut just for the photo op), and the sugar seemed to be enough to get everyone nice and goofy during some group dances later. No alcohol, of course, as the bride and groom, who coincidentally shared a birthday the following day (day, month, and year) were only turning 20. I snapped plenty of photos, of course, and also managed to catch up with a few family members I hadn't seen in aged — and also embarrassing myself trying to keep track of family members who'd grown up when I wasn't looking.

I got a quick breakfast at the hotel the next morning and gassed up before driving nearly four hours straight home. Aaron had his first tee-ball game that morning, which was nearly rained out by a passing thunderstorm. It was very fun to see him in uniform swinging a bat and throwing balls with a bunch of other kids. It was a bit casual and unorganized, but I was a proud papa to see my boy having fun. Then on Sunday, the church prayed over the students as they prepared to go back to school next week. Afterward, we went down to Papillion to grab some ice cream at Graley's together and then check out some classic cars at the car show around the corner. Aaron got to sit in a rusted out "rat rod," and the kids got to see some shiny old cars from before even their grandparents were born.

A new home for my old blog

I have a big announcement, loyal blog readers: my old blog has a new home.

Back at the end of 2006, I started my little blog here on Blogspot as an attempt to get the attention of a certain lady named Vivian. As a result, I wound up chronicling our entire relationship together — from when we just started dating all the way through the birth of our daughter Hannah. After nearly seven years of using Google's blog service, I've decided to roll up my sleeves and move my dear old blog to a new home on my own, personal website. I hope to continue updating it for you to read all the way to "'til death do us part."

Come on over and check it out!

2016: Year in Review

2016 has been a surprising, fun-filled year!
Here are some pictures of the things that happened.

• In January, we saw many different politicians in the run up to the Iowa Caucus, including Ted Cruz, John Kasich, Rick Santorum, and Hillary Clinton. Carly Fiorina, Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, and Chris Christie, and even Barack Obama and Bill Clinton. Our kids had fun playing in the snow and playing with trains at my parents' house. Hannah got some badges at Rainbows, and we hosted our third hors d'oeuvre party. There was also sushi.
• In February, we had a Snow Day and took the kids sledding. We watched the Superbowl with the family, had a fish fry with the Mills, and welcomed their newest family member, Gabriel. Twin Valley Church got a new pastor and helped him move in, Jack and Donna had an anniversary, and Vivian and I celebrated Valentine's Day at James Arthur Vineyards in Lincoln. The kids went to Lincoln to get Lost in Fun and have pizza, went to the circus, and visited park after park after park. I also learned how to lose at Rummy.
• In March, we said goodbye to our sweet cockatiel, Flappy. We had another fish fry with two tables of friends, had a reunion with the Rietjens, and I got to meet economist Stephen Moore. Vivian and I had dinner with the Folkens, visited a park with Lexi's kids, danced to a live band at JNO, and ate pizza for Uncle Jonny's birthday. We also celebrated Resurrection Sunday with egg-dyeing, Easter dinner, and new Easter clothes.
• In April, Vivian and I participated in a literary murder mystery and went to see Phantom of the Opera. Hannah and I had a daddy/daughter dance, and we brought Pig Pig home for the weekend. We also surprised Dennis for his 40th birthday.
• In May, we celebrated birthdays with Kody, Jen, and Jessica. We visited Lauritzen Gardens with my parents and the Mills, attended the Cinco de Mayo parade, and ate some quiche and ribs on Mother's Day Weekend. Franklin Graham had a prayer rally on the steps of the Capitol Building in Lincoln. We also saw the return of the Prairie Cats at JNO (with a cameo by Tom Becka) and we celebrated Good Times with Kool & the Gang at Loessfest.
• In June, we went to the drive-in, Tamra and Ryan got married, and Aunt Nancy and Uncle Andy came to visit. We took the kids to a Jitterbugs Mom Prom, we visited the Bohemian Cafe one last time, and I celebrated Father's Day. We saw Taming of the Shrew at Shakespeare on the Green. Aaron also turned two and took his first dip in a pool.
• In July, we celebrated Independence Day with Kenny Loggins, Paper Lanterns, Pizza, Fireworks, and a Parade. We saw Macbeth (along with the Governor), and I rubbed elbows with Dr. Forrester and TV's Frank and some guys from Sesame Street at O Comic Con. Some of Vivian's family came to celebrate Donna's 70th birthday in Omaha, and Vivian and I had celebrated our eighth wedding anniversary at a B&B in the country. Hannah also won another cake award, and I caught a glimpse of Jimmy B's last performance at the Sokol.
• In August, we spent some time with our friends Jessica and Kate (and Kate's kids). Ben and Venche (finally) got married, Mrs. B retired, and Vivian shot some arrows. We also had a family night at JNO, took the kids to Lake Louisville, and I had a pizza-riffic birthday. Also Mike Pence.
• In September, Vivian and I both celebrated birthdays in our fun, respective ways. We had ribs and s'mores with my folks for Labor Day, took the kids to Lauritzen Gardens to see flowers in the fall, and I bought a new bike. Gifford Farm had a fall festival, Nebraska City had an Applejack Festival, and we got to watch some balloons fly at Ditmar's Orchard. The Jitterbugs had Cowtown at the Sokol with a corn-eating contest and Prairie Cats back at the Eagles Lodge. Johnny Boyd and his band paid a visit at the end of the month, and I also brushed shoulders with Donald Trump, Jill Stein, Don Bacon, and Rudy Giuliani as the 2016 election refused to end.
• In October, we had game nights with Kate and Tamra and a campfire with Twin Valley Church. Welcome school had a Daddy's Night and we took the kids to visit Vala's. The kids went to Costco and the park and saw the beauty of autumn along the Keystone Trail and in the Fontenelle Forest. We had a picnic with Don Bacon and a rally with Mike Pence. My dad also made brats, and both the kids and the grown-ups got to celebrate Halloween (with fava beans).
• In November, Donald Trump was elected President, and we celebrated the end of the election with free food at Fazoli's. It was (still) warm enough for a trip to a park or two (with pumpkin bread), and Hannah and Aaron had leafy fun with friends. We had another game night at Kate's, birthdays for Phil and Deena, and Hannah turned five with a tea party, Rapunzel, and a Christmas Castle Cake. There was also a trip to the Children's Museum, Thanksgiving and Christmas at Union Station, and a Winter Wonderland in Papillion (with chili).
• In December, we saw Santa and Elsa at the Children's Museum. Vivian and I had dim sum with friends, saw Tom and Jeff at the Kaneko, and made a breakfast casserole for my parents' birthdays. We had Christmas Parties with friends and co-workers, had carols and soup at church, and we drove around to look at Christmas lights. Vivian and I celebrated ten years since our First Date. Then, we had a lovely Christmas Eve and Day — followed shortly by New Year's Eve celebrations at our local library and at Twin Valley Church.

What new adventures will 2017 bring? We'll just have to wait and see!

Ten years of traditions

It was a whole decade ago, back in 2006, that I first started a humble little blog over on blogspot.com. This was back before the age of social media, so telling friends and family what you were up to was done via blog post back then rather than via status updates. As such, I'd found many of the new friends I'd made swing dancing had blogs of their own, including a lady named Vivian I had been trying to get to know better. So, I signed up to have a blog of my own, and I've been updating it regularly ever since, documenting my entire relationship with Vivian in the process. So, to commemorate these past ten years, here is a list of my top ten favorite traditions that have come about in my life since I started this little blog. Enjoy!

1. The Applejack Festival: It seems the only time we get down to Nebraska City is when thousands of other people are jamming the roads to watch the parade or buy caramel apples around town during the Applejack Festival. We always start our visit by getting pancakes from the Pancake Man down at the fire house. Then we might check out the used book sale at the library before taking in a parade, sampling apple wine down at the Arbor Day Farm, or picking apples up at Kimmel Orchard. Hannah and Aaron have gone every year of their lives (so far).
2. Vala's Pumpkin Patch: The pumpkin patch / amusement park out in Gretna is a tradition for anyone with kids or who are kids at heart. The jumping pillows, go carts, the mechanical dragon, and acres and acres of play areas are a draw for us and lots of other people each year. The price of admission goes up every year, but I have a whole blog entry to help you save money.
3. Shakespeare on the Green: Nebraska Shakespeare puts on a comedy and tragedy at Elmwood Park every year for free (with donations), so we usually make a day of it coming early to lay down a blanket and then hang out on the green with our friends, a bunch of snacks, and a bottle or two of wine.
4. Friday Fish Fries during Lent: I have to credit Eric/Onion-Boy with introducing me to the uniquely Midwestern (and Catholic) tradition of standing in line for hours drinking beer and then gorging on fried fish, all inside a church. St. John Vianney has been our Fishy Friday destination for years, not just for the assortment of beige, carb-laden food, but also for the live music, raffles, bake sales, and more. Good times never seemed so good. (So good! So good!)
5. The Cheese Party / Hors D'oeuvres Party: We hold one of these every year, alternating between the two themes. Vivian and I love food, and having some kind of party / competition with our friends has been a great way to break through the gloomy months of winter, post-Christmas.
6. Christmas at Union Station: Kicking off the holidays wouldn't be complete without a trip to Union Station. Vivian and I go with the River City Confectioners to help visitors decorate cookies while Hannah and Aaron see Santa. Then we'll join the crowd as everyone sings along with a Christmas carol or two before watching the Mayor of Omaha light up the tree.
7. Concerts at Memorial Park & Loessfest: every year, a couple well-known bands come to give free concerts in the metro area, and I always look forward to seeing who they'll be. We've seen Kenny Loggins, Kool & the Gang, Joan Jett, Eddie Money, Chicago, Three Dog Night, Loverboy, Pat Benatar, Smash Mouth, Uncle Cracker, Sugar Ray, Styx, Foreigner, and even the Beach Boys with John Stamos, and we usually bring the kids along for the ride.
8. The Sushi Anniversary: When Vivian and I made our dating relationship "official," it was immediately after a trip to Sakura Bana for sushi with friends on January 26, 2007. Every year, we mark the occasion by having sushi someplace. It's usually in Omaha, but we once celebrated at the Rio's seafood buffet in Las Vegas.
9. First Date Anniversary: Vivian and I went to the (now closed) French Cafe for our first official date (before we made it "official") back on Dec. 23, 2006. Every year, we mark the occasion with dinner — often in the Old Market — and then a brief walk in the bitter cold to see the Christmas lights at the Gene Leahy Mall. We also buy some Christmas fudge down at the Old Market Candy Shoppe.
10. Wedding Anniversary and Comic: Every year on July 19, Vivian and I have a tradition of celebrating our anniversary by going someplace (usually with a swimming pool or a water park). Sometimes it's a trip to Kansas City, a road trip to Mount Rushmore and back, or just a drive across the river to Des Monies. We finish the day with a lobster dinner to commemorate our honeymoon in Bar Harbor, Maine, and I present Vivian with a comic illustration of our year together.

2015: Year in Review

2015 was another very good year!
Here are some of the fun things we did to pass the time.

• In January, we attended a belated New Year's Party and watched some football with my dad. Hugh turned 50, and I saw Tom Becka live at the Pizza Shoppe. The weather was also unseasonably warm, which meant lots of quality time at the park. Also sushi. And cookies.
• In February, we got a big snowfall and watched the Super Bowl with the family. Hannah made a snowman, and we hosted our fourth Cheese (and wine) Party. For Valentine's Day, we had dinner at Malara's with Twin Valley Church and had a five-course dinner with wine-pairings at James Arthur Vineyard. I also saw Jessica Hische at the Waiting Room and had watched MST3K with the folks over breakfast.
• In March, we celebrated my parents' 40th anniversary at Big Mama's Kitchen (and then at our house for a slideshow). The Mayor of Bellevue read to our kids at the library and we attended fish fries at St. John Vianney and Holy Name (with and without lines). We had a picnic in the park and Vivian got to be on TV. We also took the kids to Lincoln for a day-trip for Lost in Fun and Big Sal's Pizza, and we also celebrated Uncle Jonny's birthday with homemade pizza and Intellivision.
• In April, Hannah hunted for eggs for Easter, and she got to see some baby robins at grandma and grandpa's house. Hannah and Aaron got to enjoy tulips, lilacs, and other blossoms. Vivian and I saw Brian Regan and had pizza on a date day, and then we made dumplings for Jen's birthday. We also had the Mills over and flew a kite with grandma and grandpa.
• In May, we saw the Cinco de Mayo parade, went to Lindy in the Park, and toured the Lauritzen Gardens with our friends. Sherry and Bob came to visit, Hannah made mud at Mudpies, and we celebrated Mother's Day with our three moms (and handprints). I also got to see Chicago (and Fake Journey) at Loessfest. And finally, Jenny and Kody got married up in Iowa Falls. Also: fun in a box.
• In June, Aaron turned one year old and got to celebrate with a water table and a birthday picnic in the park with his friends. We saw As You Like It and Othello with our goofy friends at Shakespeare on the Green and then saw Eddie Money and Joan Jett at Memorial Park . I visited Spielbound , we saw Big Hero 6 at the Sumtur , and we took the kids to a splash park and the Children's Museum over lunch. Hannah also saw Mary Poppins at the Rose and both kids got to ride in their new wagon.
• In July, we celebrated the Fourth with a cookout at our house, a parade, and Patriotic Cheesecake and ribs at my parents' house. Jack took us on a riverboat ride for Donna's birthday, Anne and Brandon got married, and Vivian and I celebrated our anniversary with Amato's, a water park, and Joe's Crab Shack. We went on a camping trip without the kids, I lost my shirt, and Hannah picked her first tomato. I also got to meet Scott Walker and Marco Rubio.
• In August, we got to meet Dr. Ben Carson at a big Family Festival in Council Bluffs (also Rick Perry and Bobby Jindal). We visited Werner Park with a few of our friends, had one last Lindy in the Park, and saw Cinderella at the Sumtur. I also celebrated my birthday with the Jitterbugs, friends at Spin pizza, and a Beatles tribute band.
• In September, Hannah started preschool, and we had ribs with my folks for Labor Day. We went camping with our kids and the Mills family, and then we got pancakes and did dinosaur things at the Applejack Festival. We visited Gifford Farm, saw some cows at the CenturyLink Center, and Hannah and Grammy both entered a cake show (and Hannah won first prize). Vivian also had a birthday involving Kirk Cameron, the Cheesecake Factory, a Supermoon Lunar Eclipse, and Outback Steakhouse (and eventually JNO).
• In October, Hannah got her Big Girl Bed, and we visited two Pumpkin Patches: Vala's and Bloom Where You're Planted. We had a Hayrack Ride at the Hall's and went to Jitterbugs both for a Reunion Dance and a Halloween Dance (in costume). Jenny had a Back to the Future Party to celebrate Marty McFly's arrival. We also had trick-or-treating as a family at the Mall, at Gifford Farm, and on our own street, of course. Also Chris Christie.
• In November, we said goodbye to the Rietjens with burgers, Chick-Fil-A, and a baptism. Phil and Hannah both had birthdays, and Presidential candidates Rand Paul, Carly Fiorina, and Marco Rubio all came to town. We also had Thanksgiving and kicked off the Christmas Season at Union Station (with Mayor Jean Stothert).
• In December, dad made ribs for a joint birthday party with mom. Vivian and I went to the Institute Christmas Party and then we took the kids out for sushi. I saw presidential candidates Mike Huckabee, Bernie Sanders, and even Donald Trump. We also had a full-on white Christmas with a snowman and two Christmas dinners, and we rang in the New Year with Fondue, per tradition.

2014 Wrap-Up

That does it for 2014! It was quite a year to say the least. Here are some pictures of the things that happened!

• In January, we rang in the New Year with black-eyed peas and had dinner at the Kuemichels' new house. He had an hors d'eourves party, went on a sushi date, and Hannah played with her friends outside.
• In February, we got a membership at the Children's Museum, we had a Nifty-Fifties Party at church, and we had some meatloaf and ribs for Valentine's Day. Hannah also made her first snowman and got to go to the circus. My parents also moved back to Nebraska after more than a decade in North Carolina.
• In March, we had a pink and blue party and learned we'll be having a boy in June! We went to Jitterbugs' Night Out (twice), dropped in on one of Kaleb's Game Nights, attended a fish fry, a St. Patrick's Party, and wished Little Matthew Happy Birthday. I went with Hannah to mud pies, took Vivian out to Big Mama's Kitchen, and also brought Hannah to the Benson Library to meet Clifford (among other people). Mom and dad also provided free babysitting until they bought a house, and then we took them to Venice Inn to celebrate.
• In April, we ended lent with pasta at St. Pius X, we grilled out with Jack and Donna, had a freak snow, and took Hannah to her first Easter Egg Hunt. We had Easter dinner with all four grandparents for the first time and went to Venice Inn a couple times more to say goodbye. Gifford Farm got threatened by a fire while Keystone Drugs Homecare actually burned down. I also met Yaron Brook from the Ayn Rand Institute while the Mills had another baby.
• In May, we celebrated Cinco de Mayo at the tail end of the parade and then flew a kite with grandpa, Hannah painted a cup for Mother's Day and played in some mud. We visited the Lauritzen Gardens with grandpa and grandma Johnson, raided Wohlner's before they closed, attended JNO and Lindy in the Park, saw Frozen at the Sumtur, saw a concert with our friends at Stinson Park and then saw Loverboy, The Guess Who, and Three Dog Night at Loessfest.
• In June, Hannah helped make a pizza and got to play in some sand. We also got to attend Shakespeare on the Green and see Uncle Kracker, Smash Mouth, Sugar Ray, and Blues Traveler at Memorial Park. Best of all, of course, we welcomed our son Aaron Edward into the world.
• In July, we celebrated the Fourth with burgers and fireworks at our house, a parade, and barbecue ribs with the family. We went to Louisville Lake with Libby and friends and then went to Lincoln to celebrate our anniversary with flowers, a snake, and selfies. Eric also had a hot, hot birthday, and Vivian and I went to the ballpark for hot dogs.
• In August, Tamra had a giant Jenga birthday, we went to the Sumtur twice more, we had a baby shower at work, and we celebrated my birthday in Lincoln with pizza, wine-tasting, and hot dogs. We also went to Cedar Rapids for a big family reunion celebrating my Uncle Ben and Aunt Carol's 50th wedding anniversary.
• In September, my folks took us to Johnny's Cafe for a belated birthday. Vivian and I spent a day at Fun Plex, Laughed Our Way to a Better Marriage™, and took Grammy and Hannah to see a balloon glow. We also attended the Applejack Festival, had a birthday by the lake with Venche, visited Gifford Farm, and dropped by the Eagle's Lodge once or twice. We even did some painting and camping for Vivian's birthday.
• In October, we visited the Farmer's Market, went on a hayrack ride, and visited Vala's with our friends. We went to Cedar Rapids for a family wedding with some fall fun in the Amana Colonies afterward. We also participated in every aspect of Halloween, from Trunk-or-Treat at the Y, to Trick-or-Treating in our neighborhood (with horses), and dropping by Jitterbugs Night Out. We also had Aaron dedicated at our church with a bunch of family and friends in attendance.
• In November, we got a big, new dining room table to make it easier to celebrate Thanksgiving. We got to visit the Zoo for free with Hannah, played a bit in a light dusting of snow, and celebrated Hannah's third birthday. We also went see Santa and the tree-lighting at the Durham, per tradition.
• In December, we celebrated Christmas with all four grandparents (and Uncle Jonny) for the very first time. We hosted a smashing party with with gifts and games at our house, checked out some Christmas Lights, Aaron looked cute in his new blue suit, and we had the traditional Christmas Eve service at Twin Valley Church. We also took my folks to the Children's museum and rang in the new year at the library and at our house with a Cheese Fondue (and football).