What state are we in?

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind. We flew to the Midwest for our friends Krystal and Nereo's wedding. It was a wonderful opportunity to boogie down with friends. Nereo is from Mexico so the reception wasn't complete until we were serenaded by a mariachi band and the MC for the night gave a salsa lesson. We love our friends from Taylor! It was a very special night.

While we were there we were able to stay with Matt's big sister Kim and her family. When we go home to visit the Hoppe side of the family we always stay with Mom and Dad Hoppe, and we usually just visit the Diersens on day trips. Having the opportunity to stay in their home, eat breakfast in our pj's, visit their church, etc. really allowed us to see each other as families and individuals. We were able to take our time and just tell stories and laugh about kids, teaching, and church. What a refreshing visit. I am so blessed to be part of the Hoppe family.

The very next weekend (really we only had one day of turnover) we were in Connecticut for my brother David and Cherice's wedding. Magical. So many favorite people in one hotel, at one event, at one big party. I am so glad they were thoughtful enough to throw such a great party for me to attend.

Favorite moments:
1. Watching my dad fling a giant exercise ball at my son to knock him over, and then hearing Roman's magical chuckle from under the ball.
2. Having the opportunity to visit David and Cherice's new apartment in New Haven. (We were joined by an expert New Haven tour guide, Kristi Newhouse Rudenga, another favorite moment.)
3. Trying to bribe Roman down the aisle by putting a rubber lizard on the ring bearer pillow, only to be rejected with screams of, "Stuck, Mommy, Stuck, Stuck, STUCK," which echoed through the church, as he yanked at the lizard to rescue it from its ribboned fate. Roman proceeded down the aisle sans pillow, with two plastic animals in his arms.
4. Watching friends, young and old, get their groove on.
5. Introducing Selah Ellen to Ellen Snyder.
6. THE FOOD. (Rehearsal Dinner, Reception, and Sunday Brunch... divine.)

One of our many blessings is that our children travel well. When Selah is fussy she protests all stoplights, stop signs, and traffic jams, but usually she is fast asleep in the car and most pauses go unnoticed. Matt, on the other hand, does not always travel well, and our trip home included a short stop in the Bronx for Matt to throw up in someone's lawn.

I am still in recovery mode. We are settling back into a routine, and I hope to be back into a once a week blog pattern soon. In this crazy toddler world, there are always stories to share.