yet another vacation

So much is going on in our world. I haven't blogged about much of it out of respect for our privacy and because honestly so many aspects of life were up in the air I didn't feel like explaining every change that came our way.

Confused anyone? Let me explain. The Friday before our trip to Florida was Kevin's last day of work at his former job. It is all good... he had a new position before he resigned from his former. It is a good move and that is about all I have to say about this right now. Anyway, because of the scheduled wedding trip and the new job's scheduled start days Kevin had two weeks off.

So we returned from Florida and after a few days at home we headed to Iowa for a few days. This was the first road trip with Madeline and getting to Indianola, IA was about a 6 hour drive. Let's just say, it was rough. We had a couple of games and multiple DVDs to entertain her but we were hoping to have her nap for at least an hour or so. She ended up only napping for 45 minutes. This meant she was out of sorts for the rest of the evening.

We arrived to our hosts in Indianola and they launched about 30 hot air balloons for us.

Ok, so they didn't do it for us. Indianola is home the US hot air balloon museum and we just happen to be there for the first day of their week long festival. Madeline was interested at first, but that quickly turned to this:

She was done traveling, exhausted and ready for bed. A big thanks to Melissa and John for letting us stay with them and for being so understanding when Madeline was in melt down mode.

The next day we headed to Oskaloosa, IA for part two of our IA vacation. Kevin's college friends were gathering at Aaron and Jenny's house for a reunion of sorts. It had been 4 years since we had seen all of them and we were long overdue for a get together. I love Kevin's friends. They have always made me feel like I am one of the group (even though I am the only one who didn't go to school with them) and man are they some fun and funny people!

Madeline with Quentin and Jenny. We took Q a little gifty and Madeline had to show him how it worked... that and she thought it was for her.

Mads.

Quentin. Q is 9 months younger than Mads. They had a blast playing together.

I have to share this photo. Kevin was up to no good and his face is priceless. His mother is always talking about what a stinker he was as a kid. I am sure she has seen that face before. Oh, how I love that face.

Big thanks to Aaron and Jenny for hosting us for the day and night. They even gave up their own bed for us. How kind they were to give up their bed for a pregnant lady! My belly and I thank you. To Beth and Justin, thank you for "Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs." Totally love that book and Madeline does too! It was a joy to see everyone and I loved our late night talk and early morning breakfast. Jenny the waffles were awesome.

Maybe next summer we can host here in STL? Or ISU v. Iowa is an option too... let's not have it be another 4 years!

The trip home wasn't quite as long. (Only 4 1/2 hours) Madeline slept most of the way from Kirksville, MO to home. We did watch quite a bit of The Street and Word World however. Thank goodness for portable DVD players!

mg