At the end of September, we packed up and headed to Minneapolis for Dori's wedding. While we were very excited to visit her and celebrate, we were a bit nervous about the actual traveling part. It was the first time on an airplane for Henry and Owen so we weren't sure what to expect. But loaded up with a DVD player (for Henry), a boppy pillow (for Owen), and many more snacks and activities we headed out. And while it was a trick getting 2 kids, a stroller, 2 carseats and many many bags through security, I was amazed at how well Owen and Henry traveled. They did wonderful on the plane with Owen sleeping most of the time and Henry staying in his seat between Mommy and Daddy to watch movies and play. (I should also mention that Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Mike were on the plane and helped make the travel possible).
After arriving in Minneapolis and loading up the carseats in our rental cars, Henry was out for the count as soon as we hit the road towards the rental house.
Henry and Owen on the way to the rental house and a quick peek of Henry in his suit on the way to the reception lunch.
And now on to wedding pictures. . .
The Rehearsal Dinner
On Friday night, Dori and Dan hosted a rehearsal dinner at a local pizza place. Over pizzas and wine, we were able to catch up with family, get to know Dan better and meet his family. Henry even made a new friend with Dan's 4 year old niece, Claire. She was happy to lead him around and he was happy to follow. It was a good match. :)
Daddy and Henry
Nate, Owen & Uncle Max
The adults chatted while Henry and Claire headed out to the patio to play . . .
The Wedding
Dori and Dan had a beautiful morning wedding in the Sunken Garden at Como Park. Henry and Claire were the ring bearers, and they did a great job. Henry spent most of his time watching the fish in the pond at the front (while we took turns keeping him from doing a header into the pond), but stepped up for his duty when it was time to hand over the ring to Aunt Dori. Unfortunately since I was up with Henry and Nate was watching Owen sleep in the back, we weren't able to take many wedding pics. But we made sure to take pictures of Henry and Owen all dressed up!
The wedding
Owen's view of the wedding and Henry & Uncle Max after the wedding
Henry in his suit - So cute!!
Owen & Grandma and Henry checking out the music
Henry in the gardens (yes, actually IN the gardens - he misunderstood Daddy when Daddy said to stand in front of the dino sign. Daddy meant near the sign on the path and Henry took it to mean directly in front of the dino sign and traipsed through the plants. That's taking his pictures seriously!) and taking a snack break . . .
And posing outside . . .
After the wedding we headed out to explore the zoo located next to the gardens.
Henry & Aunt Dori and Henry & Claire on the turtle
There was lots of posing and checking out the animals . . .
But the hit of the morning was the ride area. Henry and Claire rode every ride they were big enough for and the newlyweds even rode a few themselves!
Patiently waiting for their first ride
Henry trying his first cotton candy - the verdict: he loved it, of course!
Dori and Dan on the teacup ride and the very dedicated photographer in the teacup next to theirs.
More rides for Claire and Henry . . .
And a snack break before heading out to the reception lunch. . .
The Lunch Reception
Henry and Owen were so exhausted from the morning that they were both asleep by the time we made the short drive to the lunch. They are very light sleepers, so you can imagine our surprise when Henry was able to nap on the floor next to the table and Owen conked out in his carseat. Who are these boys? While they rested, we enjoyed our free hands and adult conversations.
Waking up for some lunch
The happy couple
Siblings - Max, Dori and Me and a father/daughter picture
Henry and Aunt Dori
The Cocktail Reception
The wedding festivities continued that evening with a cocktail reception downtown.
A beer for Daddy and water for Henry
Owen napping in his carseat again - seriously, who is this baby? He must find parties relaxing!
The First Dance and the Father/Daughter dance.
Father/Daughter dance and Mother/Son dance
And Henry and Claire were quick to step out on the dance floor, although they liked having the parents help out. . .
Henry even got so into dancing that he whipped out a little break dancing. Who knew he had those skills?
The Sunday Brunch
The wedding festivities wrapped up on Sunday with the newlyweds hosting a brunch at their house. Henry and Claire enjoyed the yard and the beautiful weather. Henry helped out with a little yard work while Claire helped decorate their car. . .
They loved watching Joe juggle and Henry even gave juggling a try . . .
But he decided his real skills lied in ladder golf. He managed to score on his first try!
And some pictures of Daddy and Owen . . .
Such a wonderful wedding weekend! Congrats Dori and Dan and believe it or not, there are still more Minnesota pictures to come!
