We were looking forward to heading to Iowa for a visit but WOW it was much more than we could have expected and we fit so much into 2 days!!!!

We left our home in Michigan bright and early, 5am EST. Unfortunately, the kids did not sleep like they did last time so that made for a longer ride for them and a few more whines than we were expecting to deal with.  We arrived in DSM at 11am CST and immediately went straight to Wanda’s house

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This has been truly Cooper and Bella’s home away from home for many years. They walked up and began playing as if nothing has changed. Lily and Sadie (the dogs) remembered them immediately (Cooper loves Lily). Bella played with Malaya and Josie. We loved being flies on the wall as we listened in to Bella sharing her stories of her new home. We are so blessed to have had Wanda and Tiffy in our children’s lives for so long and I am grateful they can come back and visit. Cooper played legos with Owen Louis, who is a 2nd grader Cooper has been looking up to since he was a baby. They hung out for the afternoon while I went to my Aunt Jeanne’s to get my hair cut and John went to lunch with his mom, dad, and brothers.

Henry is so sweet, he grabbed Bella’s hand. What a sweetheart for including her 🙂

We spent Friday evening at the Dowling football game. Henry, Cooper’s friend, joined us so that they could see one another. We saw my cousin, Sam, play center and he had quite the fan club!

Sugar coma with cousin Davis

Friends forever

My little football fan

On Saturday, my mom and dad hosted their first big get together at their new home. Anyone who knows my mom knows how much preparation and thought goes into these events and she did not disappoint! She had the best brunch prepared with casseroles, honey bun cake, fruit and mimosas!! Yummy!! My whole family and most of John’s enjoyed a meal together and tried to fish in the pond between the sporadic rain. Cooper’s friend,Broc and his mom, Marci came to play for the morning.

Cooper, Bella, and Broc watching Chris fish in pond behind Gramy and Gramp’s house

Rainy day fun

John and I left for Iowa City and Bella and Cooper stayed with Gramy and Gramps for the night. John and I got to join friends at Kinnick stadium to celebrate the marriage of Tony and Amanda. The great thing about John’s friends is that we always seem to pick up where we left off. I was never interested in Greek life but this group of guys really give it a good name!!!! We had an adult night out (it had been way overdue).

Empty Kinnick Stadium

ATO

A weekend in Iowa refreshes me and brings me hope that we can stay close with friends and family. We don’t have our next visit planned and I worry that it might be Thanksgiving (because that seems too far away).

Please remember we will welcome visitors!  This room is waiting for you…

Bella will show you her dance moves too…