Our Weekend in Iowa

Grandma Carie and I in Kalona at the Cheese Factory

Bloomsbury Farm

Corn Box

Girl Power

Bryker

Corn Maze

Corn Maze

Sweet Cousins

Silly Cousins

More Silly Cousins

Aliyah and Kaylee

Buddies- Bryker and Trace

Grandma Becki and Kianna

Grandma, Kianna and Mommy

Zombies- I was a little shocked that my kids even knew what a zombie was. I guess they learned it from Scooby Doo.

Aliyah and Kianna

Joker Barn- Scared Pose

Grandma with her grandkids minus Bruxen

Sisters- Bree, Stacie and Keri

The kids didn't have school on Thursday or Friday, so we decided to head back to Iowa on Weds right after school. Unfortunately, Trevor wasn't able to come back with us as he is one of the assistant coaches for the junior high football team and they had a game on Thursday evening, which he didn't feel right missing. I was extremely blessed by the beautiful leaves on the drive to Iowa and am always amazed at what great travelers my kids are. The kids kept busy watching movies, drawing and playing travel bingo. In addition, we have started listening to audio books in the car, which really helps me pass the time. In the past, we have listened to a few of The Chronicles of Narnia books, but this time we listened to "Anne of Green Gables", which I thoroughly enjoyed. I think I need to plan another road trip just so I can finish my book. We also enjoyed a quick stop in IL to visit with The Wenzel's. I am so thankful for my dear friend, Sally and that our kids are developing their own friendships with one another.

We stayed at my dad and Sue's house. I really enjoyed our late night chats after the kids went to bed and my morning walk with Sue. They are great company. The kids spent the day with them on Thursday while I took my Grandma Carie to Kalona for the day. We had a great time together. That evening we met Dave, Darla, Melissa, Alyssa, Cameron, Abigail, Lana, Erika, Blake, Dad and Sue for dinner at The Olive Garden. It was nice catching up with everyone. It was especially good seeing how well Dave is doing after his bad accident earlier this summer. He is now walking with a cane with the hopes of being without an assistive device in a few weeks. He is doing great. Darla is still working on getting flexibility back in her right wrist and making a fist with her hand. Both are thankful to be alive!

The kids' cousin, Aliyah, spent the night with us on Thursday evening. She and my sister, Breanna just closed on a new house a couple of weeks ago. We were excited to see their new place and were not disappointed. It is perfect for them. We even got to be apart of the house warming party my sister, Stacie, threw for them on Saturday. They received lots of nice gifts for their new home. The kids had a great time playing with Aliyah. Kaylee and her especially enjoyed playing ping pong.

On Friday, after a nice walk with my mom we went to Bloomsbury Farm for the afternoon. Grandma Becki, Bryker and Aliyah went with us. It was a cold, sunny, beautiful fall day. We had a great time. The kids enjoyed jumping on the large jumping pillow, playing in the corn box, going through the corn maze, going on a hayride, feeding the animals, and sliding down the large slide. However, the unexpected highlight was going through the Joker Barn. Once inside we had to squeeze through a 10 ft space that felt much like what I imagine a birth canal feeling like. After that we came upon a bridge that felt like it was spinning. It made you feel like you were going to fall over and Grandma Becki dramatically stated she could go no farther. The kids thought this was hilarious and like to refer to Grandma Becki as a chicken now. Despite the theatrics, we all managed to work our way through the rest of the barn. The kids loved it, but Grandma Becki and I weren't quite as thrilled with the experience...

The rest of the night was spent with the kids enjoying their sleepover with The Langfalds. The kids ate pizza and popcorn, played games, and watched a movie. They had a great time and were full of anticipation about the evening. Since the kids were busy I decided to have a Girls Night Out with my friends. We went out to dinner and then to Orange Leaf for dessert. It was so good visiting with my friends and talking the night away.

On Saturday, I had a nice walk and talk with Stacie and then headed to Bob and Becki's house for brunch. From there, we spent the rest of the day at Stacie's house visiting with family. We keep pretty busy on our trips back home and the kids get spoiled. They LOVE going back to Iowa and we make lots of fun new memories each time. We are so thankful for our friends and family. We are truly blessed!