Wisconsin, Quickly

It was a fast weekend in the midwest for Hans' cousin's wedding.

We were up at 3:30 am on the 24th so we could catch a 6:30 plane to Madison, where Hans' family picked us up.  We ogled some cheese on the way to Trempealeau and then didn't do much for the rest of the day besides rest and eat cookies.  The next morning was clear and cold.  I woke myself by wandering the garden which was starting to wind down for the winter.  The neighbor's rye field was just starting to sprout this winter's crop.

Later, we and Hans' mom and sister went for a short hike in nearby Perrot State Park.  The views of the wildlife refuge that sits along the Mississippi were excellent.

 Winona can be seen in the distance

  

A little garden glamour

Friday night we drove down to Prairie du Chien, where we'd be assisting with the rehearsal dinner and staying the night since the ceremony was in Prairie the next afternoon.  There was a five-hour break between the ceremony and the reception, which was to be held an hour away in Dubuque, Iowa.  Since some of us were feeling peckish, we went to the local Culver's for burgers (all dressed up).

 The homemade decorations were lovely, but not as much as all the desserts!

 Cathedral dome details

I was stoked that Alesha wore her bridesmaid dress from my wedding!

 River views from the reception hall

 

The next morning we paid a visit to Hans' aunt and uncle, Leigh and Forry.  We had a lot of fun catching up and playing with the animals.  Also, we were introduced to new kitty Dusty!

 

At the end of the day we made a quick stop to visit Hans' great aunt Rita and I swapped bowling stories with her.  That evening we had one last evening meal with the Weilands (with lots of tasty home-grown veggies).  The next morning was very slow.  Everyone was pretty tired from all the wedding events.  On the way to the airport we made a couple of cheese stops, as a visit to Wisconsin is incomplete with out one!