Our "Vacation" to Iowa

I never thought I would consider Iowa a vacation spot, but we had such a fun time I might as well. The kids and I left South Haven and drove 3 hours to my friend, Sally's house in Illinois. We spent the afternoon and evening with her family and had a wonderful time. The kids had fun riding in their little jeep and playing with her daughters, Brooke and Krista. We all had a blast swimming in Sally's sister's pool, as it was a super hot and humid day. Ryan, Sally's husband cooked us a yummy dinner and we chatted the night away. The next morning, the kids and I drove the remaining 2.5 hours to Cedar Rapids where our action packed week began.

Here are the highlights of our week:

• On Saturday, we somehow crammed in lunch and naps at Grandma Sue and Grandpa Wayne's house; dinner and The Playstation with Grandma Becki, Grandpa Bob, Aunt Sam, Uncle Mike, and Bryker; and then back to my dad's house for bathes and bedtime prior to me going to a movie with my mom and John. The kids had a blast at The Playstation, a room filled with tunnels, slides, and a ball pit. The girls had fun keeping an eye on Bryker. They love spending time with their cousin. Trace was in ball heaven in the ball pit! He was flinging himself backwards and forwards, jumping in them, burying himself in them and throwing them. He had never seen so many balls at once!
• On Sunday, we went to church in the morning. Afterwards the girls were both invited to their friend, Mady's birthday party and had fun jumping in the inflatables while Trace napped. That evening we went to our small group and had a great time seeing our friends. We sure miss those guys!
• On Monday, I had lunch with my sister, Breanna. I enjoyed getting some one-on-one time with her. That afternoon, my mom gave me an early birthday present and took me for a pedicure. It is always fun being pampered! That evening, the kids and I went over to Grandma GG's house for her famous tenderloins and scrambled egg concoction (scrambled eggs, bacon, and green beans). We had a nice visit with her, although I feel I bring a bit of chaos with me wherever I go. Man are my kids LOUD!
• On Tuesday, we met our playgroup at the splash pad for a picnic and some fun in the sun. Kianna had a great time playing with her little friends, Elizabeth and Lexie. They are like three peas in a pod. Kaylee had fun running around with her friends too. It was Trace's first time at a splash pad and he had a great time. He ran around filling his cup with water and drinking it. That evening my sister, Stacie, had all my family over to her house to celebrate upcoming birthdays (my nephew, Matthew's; Kianna's and mine). They just got a trampoline so the kids had a blast playing on it. We spent another nice evening with family. I miss just being able to drive across town to visit our friends and families.
• On Wednesday, we went with my dad to Waterloo to visit Grandma Gaskill. We had a nice visit with her. She always enjoys company and especially enjoys interacting with the kids. That evening Kianna was invited to her friend, Christian's dinosaur birthday party. She was the only girl (besides his sister), but fit right in as she still likes dragons and dinosaurs herself! In between taking and picking her up from her party we met Aunt Sam and Bryker at a splash pad. The kids sure enjoy spending time with their cousins.
• On Thursday, we went for lunch and a playdate at The Willet's house, in our old neighborhood. We had fun visiting with them and afterwards walked to our house for a tour of our new hardwood floors. The house is staged really well and the floors look great. Although, personally I liked the house with carpet just as well. Our house is still for sale if anyone is interested... That evening, we spent with my dad and Sue and preparing for the garage sale.
• On Friday and Saturday, we had our big garage sale. Prior to moving, we had brought four truck loads of stuff over to store in my dad's basement with the idea that I would come back this summer and have a garage sale. Well here I am, so in between all the fun we had earlier in the week, Sue and I were also pricing all of the items stored in the basement in the evenings after the kids went to bed. Our garage sale ended up being HUGE. Sue is one of eight kids and invited her siblings to bring their stuff as well. We were bursting at the seams. Not only were the garage and driveway full, but we also had stuff in the front and backyard too. The garage sale ended up being a huge success. We got rid of all of our big stuff and ended up making quite a bit of cash at the same time. I'm sure glad it is over. Thanks Mom (Sue) for all of the hard work you put into having this garage sale for me. You're awesome!!!
• On Friday during the garage sale, the girls were invited to spend the day at Kianna's best friend, Lexie's house. They had a great time and it was wonderful for me not having to entertain them all day. Thanks Jamie you were such a blessing!!! My dad kept an eye on Trace for me, which was a blessing as well. Thanks Dad! That evening we had dinner with Grandma Becki and Grandpa Bob and then Grandma Becki took the girls out for a special evening. They went to a movie, ate popcorn, and then went shopping where they each were able to buy a Zu Zu Pet. Those things are a little too life like for me, but the girls are sure enjoying them! Grandma Becki sure knows how to show the girls a good time!
• On Saturday during the garage sale, the girls spent the day with Grandma Becki, Grandpa Bob, and Bryker. They had another fun day! That evening Grandma Sue watched the kids for me while I went on a girls night out with my friends from small group. We had a great time visiting and laughing together. Some of the stories we tell... I love these girls!!
• On Sunday, we drove back to Michigan with just one stop at Sally's house for lunch and energy release time. I was nervous for our 8 hour trip because Trace is not the best traveler. He does not like being restrained AT ALL. He bites and pulls at his car seat straps trying to escape. However, he actually did quite well on this trip. I discovered that he loves suckers and so early into our trip handed him a tootsie roll pop, which he worked on for TWO hours. After a couple naps and lots of movies we finally made it back to Daddy. We sure missed Daddy; 9 days is a long time to spend apart!!!! As much as we missed Daddy, I'm afraid he may have missed us more. His week wasn't quite as exciting as ours, although he did complete quite a few projects around the house. He's not used to coming home to a quiet house each night and doesn't want to do it again anytime soon. When we got home, he had flowers in a vase waiting for me and gifts for each of the kids. Reunions are good!!! I love you honey!