A Week in Iowa

Last Sunday Ella and I made our first trip to Iowa on our own. With the help of the oh-so-handy iPad, the long drive was extremely successful! We made a few stops, including a short visit with my friend, Brittany, and her kids. From Monday to Thursday we spent time with my side of the family, including my Grandpa and Grandma C., who had recently returned from a long winter in Arizona. Our last visit with them was in July, and especially with Grandma's health challenges since then, I was really, really glad to see them. We also spent time with my cousin, Jonna, and her kids, my Aunt Joan and Aunt Lorri, and Great Grandpa and Grandma P. And of course, Ella's Grandpa and Grandma C. On Thursday we traveled to Jeritt's side of the family, where he joined us after his business trip in Washington, D.C. The weekend was full of cousin fun with Ava and Reid, and Grandma V. brought Ella's car (her Christmas gift, if you recall!) out of hibernation in the basement for a few joy rides. We also spent time with Grandpa Al, Uncle Don, Great Aunt Annette, Grandpa V., Aunt Jill, Uncle Adam, Aunt Kristin, and Uncle Jeff. On our way back to Chicago we stopped in Cedar Rapids to meet Ella's new second cousin, Landry, the son of Jeritt's cousin, Daric, and his wife, Kendra. While we were glad to be home, we had a wonderful week full of family, and we're so glad we were able to see so many people. 

Ella and Reid taking her car for a spin.

Ella and Great Aunt Annette in the play house.

Cousin Kembry and Ella.

Ella meeting her new cousin, Landry.

Making messes at Grandma and Grandpa C's house.

She spent a lot of time looking out this window, and playing with my old toys (the strange raccoon at her feet).

Eating strawberries with Grandma C.

Playing in the yard with Great Grandma P.

Playing with Grandpa C.

Learning to juggle!

Ella missed her daddy!

More rides with Reid.

Ella is so lucky to have such a good cousin!

Ava and Ella playing outside.

Showing Grandpa Al how to push the fire truck.

Playing at the Early Childhood Fair with Aunt Jill and Reid.

Swinging with Uncle Jeff.

Of course she had to push it.