Iowa and Back

Over the weekend Eric and I were able to go to Iowa to visit my family and be there for my cousin's wedding. It was a whirlwind of a trip and I didn't take any pictures. :(

Eric and I flew in on Wednesday night and headed to my parents house and straight to bed. Thursday morning brought a trip to the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. The zoo is small but was a perfect size for 6 kids who are 6 years and under. After the zoo we headed a park to hang out and grill and just enjoy being outside. There is a lake to swim but of all that factors it was too hot sand that kept us out of the water. Then home to my parents to grill out again and celebrate my niece's 2nd birthday. The day Arabella was born was the day Eric and I got in our car to move to Baltimore. Time flies. On Thursday night Isaac and Leah spent the night at my parents house. Leah only got out of bed about nine times before she was ready to go to sleep but the kids stayed in bed all through the night after that.

Friday was rainy and not very warm so in the morning we went to a big bounce house place to let the kids run and run and run. At first Adam (2 years) was a bit nervous but after watching Leah (4 years) and Isaac (6 years) he got the hang of it. Bella (2 years) never really liked the bouncing and was content to play with other toys. To take a break from grilling ourselves we had lunch as a BBQ place in Ankeny. It was alright but not my favorite. Then Eric and I went to my sister's house to play with the kids. My parents and brother, sister-in-law and their two kids joined us a bit later. We had more yummy food and then enjoyed playing with the kiddos for a bit.

Saturday was the wedding day. We drove the 2 1/2 hours to Bettendorf, IA for the wedding and reception. Eric and I rode with my parents and caravaned with Jenn and family. There is a big mall about half way that we stopped at for first lunch and let the kids ride a carousal.  While we were driving we got hit with a huge rain storm and were worried it would rain during the outdoor ceremony but it held off. After the ceremony we hit up Chick-fil-a for second lunch and let the kids run wild for a bit. Then off to the reception. It was a fun reception with good food and fun times. I had fun dancing with the kids and even got Eric to dance with me a few times. We rode home with Jenn and Jake so my parents could take the best man to the airport.

Sunday was church as usual with Travis and Bri bringing their family to church with us. After church we had lunch and had fun until it was time for everyone to head on home. Jenn and Jake left first with their bunch and it was a tough good bye for the little ones. Leah especially does not like saying good bye. Shortly after that Arabella started not feeling well and so Travis and Bri headed on home.  Mom, Dad, Eric and I watched a movie and then headed to bed.

Monday was all about laundry and packing. A bite to eat with the parents and then to the airport. Our flight was delayed an hour but other than that nothing too crazy. Eric did leave a book behind on the plane that was one of his medical text books so that was a bummer but the rest of the trip was great.