Iowa

Well, here we are getting ready to leave Iowa. We've had a great couple of days. Happily, I report that the vomiting bug only lasted eight hours in Maia and about ten in Kenna. So far it has not reared its ugly head since that first morning we got here. Cross your fingers for us; we're getting in the car a little later this morning for our biggest driving leg of the month.


After the girls were feeling a little better on Saturday, we drove out to a fun lake for some swim time. It was a blast! The kids loved playing in the sand and swimming around in the water. Mason and Teensy really enjoyed having their dad available to throw them into the air so they could land back down with huge splashes. Maia contented herself with playing in the sand after she "felt a crab" in the water. Our logical discussion of there not being any crabs in this freshwater lake was completely lost on her. Her good time was not spoiled in the least by her fear and she was utterly happy to play in the sand and help everyone look for the little fish which swam close to shore. You can imagine Kenna's delight as seeing several small fish right in the water with her and proclaimed them "happy fishies." We took a small break from the water to have a yummy picnic dinner, after which all the kids worked together to build a giant sand fortress. Then we headed back to bathe 9 children and get them to bed on time in anticipation of 9:00 church the next day. Ahhh...children in bed on time for the first time in several days...heaven!


Church was nice...or should I say Primary was nice? Marlee wouldn't get off my lap so I spent a nice two hours with the Sunbeams. Mackenna went to the strange nursery without looking back or shedding a tear, to the amazement of many. After church, the little ones napped and then we went to downtown Iowa City. It is really quite quaint for a "city" and certainly has charm. Hugh took us to see his office at the University of Iowa and then we headed back home for a delicious breakfast for dinner--my favorite!

I just realized that I haven't written about our dear friend's "smoking skills." Hugh made us some pulled pork and brisket in his smoker and boy, were they fabulous! I ate tender succulent pig every day and never tired of it. I just had to mention that.

OK, that's the overview of our time in Iowa. It sure was great to see our old friends. I am really enjoying this vacation. With each successful leg completed I get more and more giddy that we are doing it. It's like several vacations all in one--with visits to cousins, siblings, friends and a family reunion all in one short month. Anyway, two states down, four to go! Colorado or bust, baby!