Chick Flick Weekend

This weekend I decided that I deserved some time to sit back and relax! I had planned my usual shopping errands (returns, etc.) right after work, grabbing a delicious chicken malibu sandwich from Bruchi's for dinner, renting some movies, and curling up on the couch for pure relaxation. It has been wonderful......and I still have one movie to watch tonight. Pure bliss! (I currently have a head cold with the source probably being one of my darling first graders---so I really needed to take it easy this weekend.) That's just a quick update for my sisters and anyone else who is interested. My favorite of my selections was Becoming Jane--I simply love Jane Austen's books and this movie helped me to be more informed about her life and how her novels came to be. Although, I'm going to watch Miss Petigrew Lives For a Day tonight......maybe I'll have a new favorite--but most likely not.

#1 Snack Choice!!!

Cousins, Birthday, Fair and Rodeo

This morning Kimra and her boys left for home. They were all able to stay for a week of fun and relaxation before school begins. It was so nice having them here and I miss them already! We spent time playing video games and pool. We even got to celebrate Nakoa's 11th birthday at the park. The kids all had a good time running through and around the freezing water toys. Kody made delicious brownie cookie bars (instead of a cake) and bought Little Ceasar's pizza and Olive Garden Salad to go at Nakoa's (or Lisa's???) request. Good time for everyone!

The Birthday Boy!





A happy Keana with her chips...mmmmmm!

Last night we all went to the county fair to see my cousin, Nat, ride a bull in the rodeo. It was so much fun seeing him ride! This was my first time seeing him in his element. Very cool!
Da boys! We are finally on our way to the fair!

Tate was just laughing and laughing because of all the buzz! Too cute!

Waiting in the grand stand. Keeping an eye out for the Braithwaites to come and join us for the fun and excitement! Meanwhile pigging out on cotton candy and kettle corn.

Here come the bulls!

Nat is behind gate 7 putting his safety vest on.

We were all excited and cheered when Nat's name came up!
Nat, me, a rodeo buddy named Jake

The boys' first time at a fair!

They both won prizes at each game! Wahoo!!

We ran into Sterling and Hunter by the animal barns chompin on a whole turkey leg! I just loved Ster's new sunglasses. I'm diggin' the springs across the top.....fashionista!

You Might Be In Iowa....

The Happy Family

What's up with my lazy eye?

Before the Blessing Dress Was On....

Happy Blessing Day!

Yes, I do take some crooked pictures, too..... :)

Well I've been very busy getting ready for the new school year and haven't taken the time to update for what seems like F-O-R-E-V-E-R! The trip back to Des Moines worked out very smoothly. It was so good to see Cassie, Mitch, and Hallie! My parents, Bryn, and I were able to attend Hallie's blessing. It was a very quick week, as Bryn and I took a mini trip down to Carthage and Nauvoo, IL. It was only about 3 hours from Des Moines....not bad at all. While there we got to see the Nauvoo Pageant. It was fabulous, although I didnt' get to see any fireflies this trip.


Bryn and I flew together and were able to do some sightseeing on the way to Iowa. We flew into Kansas City, MO (3 hours from Des Moines) and drove to Liberty to see the Liberty jail and then on to Far West to see the temple sight. It was here that we both enjoyed our first breath taking view of the sun setting over the lush green rolling hills. It was absolutely amazing! If you are planning a trip to this area, DO NOT follow the directions from Mapquest......we traversed several gravel county roads on our way to Far West, only to follow a "local" on a paved road traveling North. Voila! Needless to say, it was a better drive back to the interstate.

While visiting we took another day trip to Winterset to tour the birthplace of John Wayne. While in Madison County we couldn't pass up the opportunity to see some of the covered bridges. This was only about 15 miles (if I remember correctly) from Cassie's house. We drove around downtown and saw the gorgeous capital building, flood damage, visited the Botanical Gardens, and shopped at the cute little shops in Valley Junction.








Mitch took us on a tour of his school, Des Moines University, including the cadaver labs. It was absolutely awesome! When the week stay came to an end, my mom joined us for the drive back to Kansas City....stopping first in Independence to see President Truman's home....and then we flew home early the next morning.






While on the road, Bryn and I got a little delirious and thought of a little game to play........

If you see a tractor pulling a boat...

YOU MIGHT BE IN IOWA.

If you see a floating shelter made of plywood....

YOU MIGHT BE IN IOWA.

If you see miles and miles of cornfields....

YOU MIGHT BE IN IOWA.

Etc., etc..... (picture courtesy of Google Images)