Iowa Vacation

The kids and I went to Iowa for a little vacation mid-May. Scott wasn't able to join us. His vacation was scheduled a few months ago for June. I am hoping that some day we will be able to take vacations together. Wouldn't that be nice? Anyway, My dad sis not want us to drive out by ourselves so he drove out on a Friday and then drove us to Iowa on Saturday. I am sure I would have been able to drive the whole way with the kids but it just would have taken a whole lot longer. The trip out was great. All three kids did a fantastic job. Grisham was so happy to be able to watch movies all day long. Genevieve was happy to play with her dolls and watch movies. Carolyn slept most of the way.When we arrived at my parents house the kids were so excited to see Grandma and Auntie Sarah. I was just tired and looking forward to going to bed. Sunday the kids were up way too early but I knew it would be an adjustment. We went to my parents church and then later the rest of my family came over for a late lunch. My brother, his wife Traci and their two girls Bailey and Jenna. My sister Lisa brought her dog Wanton. We attempted to get a picture of all the kids together but of course Genevieve was being a little difficult. Bailey and Jenna thought it was hilarious. We eventually got something. I also got a picture of my brother's neck. He had a neck injury last summer and had to have surgery, so this is what his scar looks like. Over the next few days the kids and I went to the the zoo, visited Des Moines University, played at the Art Park in downtown Des Moines, visited with friends, ate at restaurants that we don't have in Ohio and hung out with family. One of my favorite things I did was golfing with my dad, sister and brother in law Joshua. We went to Toad Valley in Runnels. This was just my second round of golf ever and I love it. Golf is so much fun. I may not be good at all but I do enjoy the game. Our visit with my family was quickly coming to its end. I packed the van and headed north to Dows to see Scott parents. About two months ago Scott's dad Jay fell at work and crushed his heel. He had surgery to repair the damage and is in a cast now. He has to be in bed or be sitting in a recliner at all times. Since we were just going to be in Dows for a short time I tried to fit in all of my favorite things to do. We went to the library to see the librarian Gloria, ate Casey's pizza (my favorite) walked up town and down town, went to the mercantile for a little shopping, visited the one room school house, played at the school, went downtown for ice cream and visited with family. Side note..I took a picture of that old car. I have often wondered about it. I asked mom how long it has been sitting there. She said a few years. I asked a decade or so and she said about 25 yrs. That car has been sittng in that same spot for 25 yrs! Why? I ask you. Any way.. Scott's sister Heather drove over from Auburn to see us. It was great to see the kids, Gavin and Cali. I can't believe how big they are now. Gavin enjoyed sitting and reading with Grisham and Genevieve just loved being around Cali. I wished we had more time to spend with the family but we were short on time. Saturday afternoon we drove back to my parents house. Early Sunday morning we left Iowa and headed back to Ohio. Once again my dad was so nice to drive us. Once again the drive went great. The kids were so excited to get home and see Daddy. I think I was a bit more excited than them. I really don't like being away from Scott. Plus, earlier in the week Scott fell and hurt his back. He ended up going to the ER because the pain was too much. He ended up with a horrible muscle strain and was given pain meds and muscle relaxers. He spent most of the week in bed recuperating. I really don't like being away when he doesn't feel well. It was a great week and I am glad we were able to see the family but like I said I am hoping that we will be able to do whole family vacations in the near future.