Trip to Iowa

Last weekend, we went to Iowa so I could attend my mom's salad luncheon at her church. Every year, the ladies set a table using dishes from their homes. My mom has had three different tables and has used different dishes at all three...I actually think she could set many more tables because she has a very large collection of china and dishes!!! It is fun to see all of the different place settings and read about where each of the women got their dishes and the special stories that go along with them. This year, mom brought her collection of chickens to go along with her table decor. It was fun to see them all out on display. Mom invited Mary to go along, so it was extra fun. After we dined on the delicious variety of salads, we listened to a fabulous speaker...Kathy Peterson. She is one of the most positive and practical people I have ever listened to. I hope to one day invite her to Maryville to speak at something I am involved with! :)

We were hoping to get Peyton out into the fields with Grandpa Ackerman to plant...but it had been too wet prior to us coming. Peyton and I did get to ride on Saturday morning with Grandpa as he field cultivated. Peyton sat on Grandpa's lap the whole time and watched it all happen. When we got home, Peyton convinced Grandpa to let him play with almost all of the display toy tractors in his office. Peyton loves the "johnny poppers" and likes to hook things up and farm on the carpet... Peyton also had time outside with my dad riding on all of the farm equipment. I think if I remember correctly, there was a semi ride, Gator ride, tractor ride, lawn mower, four wheeler, and they sat in the combine. After all of the farming, Grandpa gave Peyton a new tractor. It is a special tractor...Peyton tells me...for just him. Peyton is convinced that we are going to see Grandpa this weekend and he will be getting a new Johnny Popper...we'll see about that...

Tate had a birthday party complete with a Thomas the Train birthday cake. My grandparents, family friends Darrel and Sue, and Mary and Mary Rose came to help celebrate. Tate got a new sandbox and some sand toys, pajamas and a tractor. He was delighted to be the center of attention and clapped and cheered as everyone watched him. He is still not a fan of cake or ice cream. Mom and Dad have to bring the sandbox to us because it was too large to put in the trunk. Our house is becoming a regular kid zone....trampoline, swing set, sandbox....I can see that we are in for a very fun summer!!! :)

I am exhausted from the busy weekend and then getting back to work right away on Monday. There are only three weeks left after this one and I am getting summer vacation fever!!!! As busy as each of the weeks are, I am sure the time will fly! I am always sad to lose one class and have to start over in the fall with a new group. The kids really do become a little family....