This is a summer of weddings for us and we happily flew to Iowa last week to attend the wedding of a lovely young couple. Kayla was the one who took care of our cats for years when we traveled and she sweetly invited us to her wedding. It was the first time we had made a trip back to Iowa since we moved almost 7 years ago.
It was the sweetest wedding ever and we were so happy to be able to share with Kayla and Chad on their very special day. Years ago I had made mugs with Buddy and Holly’s pictures on them and given one to her as a thank you. When she introduced us to her new husband she said “you know–the mug!! The people who owned the kitties from the mug!”. Don’t you love that I am known all over for my love of cats?
Of course because it is me I wanted to try to fit in as many visits along the way as possible and my husband is such a great guy and agreed to my somewhat crazy schedule. First up — meet up with Jeni from JeniEats who now lives in Minnesota. We met at our hotel so her adorable little daughter could run around and it was so wonderful to be with her and her husband and finally see that little one . My heart was so full and we spent 90 minutes or so catching up, eating together and running after an active toddler. Perfect.
Next up was a stop in Faribault to meet up with Audrey of Minnesota Prairie Roots and her husband, Randy. We met at a Caribou Coffee (they really do have pretty wonderful coffee there) and had a wonderful time catching up in person. That’s the beauty of friendships like ours — we keep in touch but when we get together in person it is even more wonderful. No time has passed and we pick up talking about all of the things that matter most to us. What a treat it is to have lifelong friends who “get you”.
Final meetup ended up to be in Clear Lake on Sunday morning. It was the only time I could allow for my North Iowa Blogger friends but I was happy that two of them could make it. We met at the Clear Lake Park and had some Lion’s Club BBQ Chicken and it was fabulous! So my friend, Laura, who blogs at Cat Tales with Laura and Mary who blogs on her personal page here and for her business at Natural Plus Nursery here met us in the park and we had a wonderful time catching up as well. Mary brought her husband and her two kiddos that I have never met and we all shared what is going on in our lives. It was, again, wonderful.
7 years have come and gone but these friendships, my friends, are what makes my heart happy. Each of these ladies (and many more that could not make a meet up) has made a significant impact on my life in ways they don’t even know. So from the bottom of my heart I thank them for being there for me and making the time to meet up. I am blessed.
16 Comments
Leave a commentBethann, Don’t think we ever discussed I am also from Iowa. Lived on farms in western Iowa until age 16, then in Cedar Rapids to finish high school. Moved to California 1979, and to NC where my sister lives in 2005. Have enjoyed getting to know you and that you must have had a special needs son.
I didn’t know you were from Iowa! Small world, right? We lived in Mason City for a few years and it was odd to be back and see how things have / haven’t changed. And yes– my brother in law Carl had Down Syndrome. We lost him several years ago – he was such a big part of my life and I miss him a lot. Thanks for stopping by!
Lovely! As I was reading yesterday’s post, I thought…those places sound familiar and I know Audrey lives in Faribault. How wonderful that you reunited with your friends!love this post!
How high was the corn
And I betcha the zinnias were spectacular
You are truly blessed to have all these wonderful friends. How great that you could meet up with them.
So great that you were able to fit all this into your trip. It does the heart good to see old and new friends and celebrate love.
Beth Ann, that I could see you again (and Chris) was such a joy. That our friendship began all those years ago, first online via blogging, and then in-person at a poetry reading, is such a blessing. Yes, we do “get” each other and I count you as a dear dear friend who will always be part of my life, no matter the distance that separates us. With love and hugs from southern Minnesota and my heart! (Exclamation mark intended.)
So glad you could get up with so many friends!! Nothing better.
I LOVE all of this! How much fun! I’m going to look up all of these wonderful bloggers and follow them! So glad that you had such a good time! You are just radiating joy in the photos!
How can I subscribe to the Cat Tales blog?? Help!
You can follow her on Facebook. I don’t think she has an e-mail subscription. https://www.facebook.com/cattaleswithlaura
Seeing you was the highlight of the month! We were looking forward to it for so long!
So glad you got to meet up with so many friends. Makes me think, though, of the blogger who was killed on a snowy February (I think) day on her way home by the semi. I think of her often.
Yes— our friend Amy. We all miss her .
How wonderful! Friends like those are priceless treasures.
[…] friend Beth wrote about her great Iowa reunion tour. We shared two years of the Iowa […]