One airplane ride away and we land in the Midwestern paradise of Minneapolis. After checking in, we relax, take care of a few things, then take a leisurely walk up the Nicollet Mall to eat dinner at Burdock & Co. I hadn’t ever really spent any time downtown, and it’s a vibrant small city. We head upstairs and get a lovely table by the window.
Plenty of choices and as usual, I try to order as many as possible. We share and it’s all heavenly. If you don’t believe me, check these out:
After dinner, we head back to the hotel and meet up with everyone for the cocktail party. It was a delight seeing the whole Lucas clan and Ellie and Rob’s girls all grown up. After the party, we head down the block to Brit’s pub, where the happy couple had rented the whole rooftop lawn bowling arena for the revelers. So fun! Sorry none of the pictures came out to well, except one of the two gals:
Next morning I walk back up towards the river to check our Ellis and Ted’s place. Did you know that not only is Minneapolis right on the Mississippi river, but it was the point of cargo loading for timber and fur from the north, and once the hydroelectric power was harnessed, became the site where more flour was milled and packaged than any other spot in the world!
the scenery:
One of the old buildings has been added to and serves as a museum to “Mill City”. Otherwise, there’s been a lot of renovation and condos going in the old manufacturing buildings. Ellie’s was the something-or-other Blanket Building.
After a rooftop tour and chat (Ellie has chores to take care of), I meet up with Lance to take a bit of a city tour. We use the easy-peasy pick-up and drop-off bike system:
So we cruise all over, with the first stop through a lakeside park and into the sculpture garden. By the most famous piece:
and a big fish:
I was getting cranky, so had to get back in time for a one hour rest before the big do. The ceremony was lovely and held in the Orchestra Hall..The handsome couple:
and another handsome couple:
beautiful girls:
and beautiful flowers:
A great DJ, lots of crazy dancing, and sweet toasts. A quick breakfast the next morning, hugs all around, then back home to Colorado. Aaaah. The first of my friends’ children to get married. Another milestone.