Abi & Andrew's Wedding NE

After zig zagging through middle America as we awaited our brother and sister's big event, we steered toward Hastings, NE to reconnect.  First stop: Pacha Soap Headquarters.  Andrew and Abi started their humble soap company in the garage.  For every bar they sell, another is donated to a local shelter- part of their Raise the Bar campaign.   Now, Pacha Soap is available in Whole Foods Markets across the midwest.  

The Lovebirds

Andrew behind the wheel.

The only dog park we've seen with hay bales.

 

We loaded the wagen with flowers and wedding garb, then sailed on to Lincoln where we spent the next days in a quaint B & B catching up with family.  The wedding was on site and magical.

Margaret and Soy Bean

Our nephew, sweet little Sawyer.

The ceremony was held outside on a gorgeous October day and we shook the rafters with a foot-stompin' bluegrass barn dance.  The highlight was Abi's aunt teaching the lot of us to square dance.  

Sisters

And so we cruised on, sporting our matching Dirty Hippie Pacha shirts.

Upper Peninsula of Michigan and Minnesota Cabin

We chased fall into the chilly Upper Peninsula of Michigan and were dazzled by leaves of all colors.  The evenings grew so chilly that one night- for the first time- we were lured to cheap motel that promised a sauna.  It was worth every penny.

Castle Rock on Lake Michigan

Uncle Jim and Aunt Mary's Barn

 We found our way to the Bethke's cabin in Minnesota and built the largest bonfire I have ever witnessed. 

Picking out pumpkins and apples. Sadly, no one fell for Sue and Michael's carmel onion.

The bus didn't love the snow storm on the way back to Minneapolis.

Carving up some pumpkin gems.

Driving through tornado country.  A twist rolled through this area a week previously and the destruction was devastating.