Vacation...

We just got back from Iowa yesterday. We left last Thursday and headed to Ben's family first. We got to see one of Mary Rose's games as we came into town! She is quite the softball player and has been hitting very well! The other night she went 4 for 4 and had a couple RBI's. We are so proud of her! Mary Rose was an absolute HIT with the boys. Tate loved her....he went to her with no problem... While we were at Ben's mom's, we helped organize her kitchen. It looks quite amazing and it was really fun to work together and help make it look like she wanted. We found some treasures, made some donations to charity, and enjoyed the final product quite a bit...(along with some Blue Moon's and wine....). We did not spend the entire time working though. We had a great time at the park, lake, and taking long walks. We were going to go to the new water park, but then decided that since the lines to the water slides were from the top to the bottom of the LONG steps, that going to the lake would be more fun...so we headed to Ben 's best high school friend, Josh's parents' house. Josh met us there and played in the water, mixed fabulous drinks, and took us out on the boat. This was the first time the kids had been on a boat ride and they both loved it. Josh also took Ben knee boarding....just like the "good old days." We had a great time!

On the 4th of July we went to church, then to the parade and the activities at the parks by the lake. It was a busy and fun day....my parents met us and we all walked to a park to watch the fireworks together. It wasn't the best...the mosquitos were out and in full force...they did not seem to respond to the gallons of Off I sprayed. Peyton thought they were "boring" and he and Ben left early. Shortly after they left, mom, Mary, Mary Rose and her friend, Tate and I left too. I always look forward to fireworks, but I am not sure they are worth it. However, it wouldn't be the 4th of July without them!

On Monday we went to my mom and dad's house. They are getting their house sided by one of our family friends, so it was fun to see him and his crew. Ben and I helped my dad clean out grain bins, and Peyton enjoyed rides on everything imaginable. Ben worked a lot harder than I did cleaning out bins....he is kind of a go getter. The time seemed to go by really quickly while we were there. Peyton got a new "johnny popper" tractor and wagon from Grandpa. He claimed that his "Model A" John Deere at home..."needed a friend." He was really excited to have his new tractor come home to his house to show it to the others. He is a funny little guy.

Overall, we had a wonderful and relaxing trip. We had a great time with both of our families and feel really lucky to have such great families to go visit. Ben and I also celebrated our 5th anniversary! These past 5 years have gone so quickly and so much has happened since we got married. I love Ben more every day and am so glad I am able to call him my husband.