Visit to Iowa

We were able to spend some time in Iowa in early August, so we packed as much as we could into that time. It was a wonderful time of reconnecting with friends and family. The first pictures are from Norwalk, when we were visiting my mom and step-dad.

Notice Josie's beautiful braid, done by my second cousin, Marty.

Gabe loved trying to catch the balls people hit in the water traps:)

Trying to get Josie's ball out, and instead gets...

a tiny frog, lol.

Josie and the frog

Now this was epic. My mom was pretending (just to get a laugh from the kids) to fall into this water trap, which was about thigh deep, as she discovered later:) Unfortunately, she accidentally stumbled a bit and landed with one leg in the water up to her thigh, and couldn't get out. She said, "Help!" and I grabbed the camera instead of helping right away. I knew she wasn't hurt (at this point) and we were all laughing hysterically, so I thought it'd be good to document the moment.

So, precious Gabe tries to help her, and pulls a little too hard:) She did get a big bruise from this one. I am about to pee my pants at this point, and she is, too.

She begins climbing the rest of the way out here

Poor grandma! I do love how she is such a good sport and how much fun we always have with her. I don't think the kids will ever forget this moment:) Love you, mom.

Josie, cracking up at grammies:)

We hit Pella to see my brother and his family. Jer and Cayla came to the Fun Factory with us. I love this picture, one of my very favorites!

Jerod and their new little girl, Eliana Lynn

We also hit Grandpa Pat's and Grandma Nancy's for some fun. This is my dad and my niece, Avery.

Grandma made the kids some yummy sno cones!

My beautiful nieces, Avery and Sophia

And we made s'mores at Nana and Papa's house while visiting Iowa City