Our final week at home is finally here.  It’s crazy how fast 1 month goes!   Nevertheless, Jason and I have been very busy with our time in the states.

The 4th of July weekend was spent in Northeast Iowa, visiting friends and our old stomping grounds!   I do feel that Northeast Iowa may be the most beautiful part of the state!   We were all lucky enough to stay at our old roommates house!   The house provided us all a place to relax and hang out, which made our short time together more fun!   We spent time in Decorah playing disc golf, enjoying the local brew (Toppling Goliath)  and food!   Even though it was a quick trip it was so great to see our friends!

The next week was spent traveling to Seattle, Washington for one of my best friends weddings!   We arrived on Thursday morning after an early but easy 7:30 am flight!  After arriving, our friends Alicia and Tony picked us up from the light rail and we ventured to find some food.  We headed to a local dinner we had visited before called Roxy’s.    I had just stuffed my face with 2 Piroshky’s so I decided to have the BLT and the Bacon Bloody Mary!   The food is always good and tasty!

We then ventured to our Condo!   We decided to rent a condo from HomeAway instead of a hotel, which is always a great idea!  It allowed us to cook our own meals and have a common area to hang out!  The house was located near the Washington Park Arboretum which was the location of the wedding!

On Thursday night, Alicia and I went to Julia’s Bacholorette party hosted at Julia and Evan’s house in the Lake City area.  The house had a huge backyard that was perfect for the party!

On Friday the rest of our crew arrived and we took the bus Downtown.  Public transport is amazing but sometimes it can be difficult.  In Seattle we relied heavily on UBER.   Uber is basically like a taxi service, you request a car and they come and find you!  The most we spent on 1 ride for 4 people was $16.  Although public transport is always cheaper, UBER is very convenient!

On Saturday, the girls and I were on Wedding Duty!  We all went to the arboretum to help set up!  The location and venue were beautiful and perfect for Evan and Julia!  Not to mention the weather was amazing!  Sunny and Warm.

The thing that I enjoyed the most about this wedding was the atmosphere and the choice to not use  “traditional” wedding reception things!   The processional music was composed by Evan and performed by friends of the couple!  Even Jason got to play!  The music was beautiful.  I also loved how all the energy was focused around Julia and Evan!  They really kept it about their love for each other.  I couldn’t be happier for them!  The whole evening was spectacular and full of love!

After Seattle I spent a few days at my Grandma’s farm.  I always forget how peaceful and quiet the farm can be!  The corn at her house is SO TALL!  I am about 5’11 and the corn went well above me!  The saying is “knee high by the 4th of July,” well this corn is well above that!  I was glad to see my Gma since I missed her at the lake!  My mom and I even took the a ride on the swing set!

One week left in Iowa until heading back to Shanghai!