LIFE MORE ABUNDANT.: ...on to Kansas

Continuning on with Savannah's World Tour 2007 we headed from North Carolina to Kansas City International and then on to the booming metropolis of Ottawa, Kansas.

We met Grandma and Grandpa Stephens at the airport and I think they had definitely missed Savannah, and apparently Savannah had missed Grandma as well.

We cruised into Ottawa on Thursday afternoon and enjoyed a little downtime before all of the family came into town and things got busy. We had a calm evening in the room and by the pool. But early the next morning wedding activities got under way. We headed to the church to see Uncle Dave and Almost Aunt Jackie where the were busy setting up for Saturday's wedding.

Clearly Jackie was excited to see Savannah. Dave was as well, but in a slightly less hands on sort of way apparently.

After hanging around the church for a bit we cruised Main Street Ottawa which I must say I was pleasantly surprised with. You don't often expect to find smaller towns with surviving downtown. Many have simply died out while others have been resurrected with great success but still a bit of "faux history" to them. Ottawa came across more as a legitimate small town downtown district that of course isn't perfect. It seemed a little rough around the edges, and I don't mean "small town mafia" rough. Its more like, "historic downtown but we still spend more time driving to Olathe" rough. Yet overall it was impressive (compared with expectations) and showed a small downtown that maintains its historic character, local economic relevance, and viable community center. Perhaps this is true for a couple reasons. One, because Ottawa isn't a large enough population center to attract the large national retailers (except WM of course). And two, it also isn't quite close enough to other towns that would provide easy access to retail goods, therefore leaving a small niche for downtown Ottawa restaurants, bars, and independent stores. In fact there is still a Pharmacy with a lunch counter (a one time Aunt Jackie employer) as well as a still operating Sears storefront on Main Street.

Main Street - Ottawa, Kansas

The still running Plaza Theater (even after showing Daddy Day Camp)

The Franklin County Courthouse (Ottawa) built by famed Kansas architect George Washburn. The Methodist church where the wedding took place is directly behind the courthouse.

Now back to the family stuff. Family and friends started making their way into town on Friday afternoon and Savannah started learning everyone's names. First and foremost was meeting Great Grandma Stephens who was very (quietly) excited to see Savannah.
We then spent the rest of Friday evening at the church for the wedding rehearsal before heading to the rehearsal dinner. The rehearsal dinner was at the family farm of Jackie's uncle. Fortunately the rain held off until the end of the dinner. Although this writer will sit through a rainy rehearsal dinner that has pulled pork barbeque on the menu. There's a distinct possibility that there was venison mixed in as well.

Savannah enjoyed the fresh country air and was able to introduce herself to a horse. However the horse didn't like the camera flash so we moved away quickly before it could it the baby.

Saturday was another day of meeting and greeting many family members and preparing for the big event.

Grandpa and his brothers Ed and Don who came from Florida and Colorado for the wedding

Of course Grandpa got his time with Savannah

Some of the Rising side of the family enjoying time with Savannah, most notably Aunt Cathy practicing for grandchildren while Aunt Mary proved herself as an accomplished pro.

Four generations of Stephens

Finally after much family time we got around to the reason for being in Kansas at all, Dave and Jackie's wedding. After a pizza buffet with the guys we headed to the church for the show. While waiting for pictures we naturally found a few basketballs in the gym. While basketball in a rented tux is risky all ended well without any damages. Meanwhile, since it was a Saturday in October, Uncle Jim kept everyone up to date on the current plays and scores in college football. Including the shouldabeen defeat of Nebraska by Ball State. Yes, that Ball State. Yes, in football.

Aunt Andrea, aka the flower guru, providing much needed assistance.

So fresh and so clean. Getting ready for the wedding.

The finished product!

All dressed up for the party.

The ceremony was wonderful, the brisket afterwards was delicious, and Dave and Jackie Stephens headed off to the Maine woods cruising out of town in a Ford Etsel.