More adventures in the Heartland

It was pretty toasty while we were back in Iowa. Pretty normal for this time of year. So we frequented the awesome aquatic center in Marshalltown. The boys have been fish this summer, so we couldn't miss any opportunities to swim on vacation.

Brent has been a great instructor for them these past 2 summers...he stands in the pool, makes them jump off the side and keeps backing up while they swim as far as they can to him. It works and they keep rising to that challenge. By the end of the summer, they are pretty independent in the water. They have some great slides, but unfortunately they weren't part of the fun for our entire family for very long. We needed 2 more inches on big brudder to pass the test. We snuck on twice but got busted when Grandma tried to ride with him. The Lazy River was a hit though and we also snuck on the drop slide a time or two.

We had an awesome time with my sister's family...the kids couldn't wait to play each day. It's such a blessing to see them pick up where they left off, when they see only each other 2-3 times a year. We had 2 sleep-overs...one at their house and one at Grandma's house. And yes, we actually got sleep at both of them! The big boys got to play too...a round of golf at The Harvester, thanks to Mom and Dad for that annual gift!

We took a couple of bike rides (more about bikes later!) with my parents and rode to my grandparents house one day. Grandpa Button showed the boys his entertainment for the summer...his rodent trap. He wanted to empty it before showing them, but boys will be boys and they just had to see the dead thing! (I wanted to see it too...I am a city girl!) Grandpa and Grandma Button are kids at heart though and always fun to visit. Their wisdom is wonderful and the Godly heritage of their family is rich We are so thankful for their influence on all of our lives and love any time we get to spend with them.

There were many more highlights during our stay in Marshalltown...playing the Wii with Mom, Dad and Grandpa Button, hitting our favorite restaurants in town, chasing and loving on (torturing) Gabby the cat each and every day and simply enjoying the comforts of "home." It was a great time. We are so thankful!