Thursday - October 2

 Hello from Cedar Rapids where we arrived around 2 this afternoon,    We left KK at 8:40 and stopped at Revive in Goodfield for a harvest latte.   I drove all the way to just past the Mississippi River into Iowa.   Mark took over from there and we met up with Liam and walked together to the Dandy Lion for lunch.   It was very good - Mark and I shared the fried green tomato BLT and Liam had the Reuben.   We walked back to his apartment and met his roommate, Raymond.   Very impressed with Liam's apartment and room - neat and tidy!

Liam

Onto Cedar Rapids - very warm and sunny - 86.   Checked into our hotel and settled in.....and then Blair appeared outside our door!    Let the fun begin for this long-awaited big weekend for Drew and Tessa.

Anne and I walked to the Pickle Palace where several were playing pickleball from 4-6.   So good to meet some of Tessa's family, cheer on the pickleball players and watch the Cubs game against San Diego.    We all went into the restaurant for dinner - 2 big tables and watched the Cubs game AND the big win!   The place erupted in cheers as it was nail biter right to the last out!!   Mark and I shared a Thai peanut bowl - it was delicious!   

Grandpa and Drew (Groom-to-be)

Mark and I shared this bowl full of veggies, rice, chicken and peanuts - sooo good

Walking back to the hotel and Alliance Energy Building all lit up 

 

Bob, Judy, (Brooke's parents) Anne, Mark and I walked back to the hotel and went to the 16th floor for chocolate/raspberry martinis (Anne and me) and Grand Marnier for Bob and Mark.    We played 5-handed euchre with Judy and me the winners.   More of our kiddos stopped by  - great 1st evening of the big weekend.

Mark, Bob, Judy, Anne, Pat