Iowa: Pear & Apple Picking

We were so lucky to hear about an opportunity to go pick free pears and apples while we were visiting our in-laws in Iowa. It was a perfect family night activity.

Picking tip: Zach and I held the sheet up between us to catch the fruit while Greg knocked them down with his various pickers. This way you catch the fruit before they hit the ground and bruise! 

Such a good helper, picking up the loose fruit and putting them in the baskets.

So many apples!

Lucy's favorite part was testing out the swings.

 Stay tuned to see what we made with all this bounty!

Girls Night: The Little Mermaid

Another activity we did while in Iowa was a fun girls night out while Zach had a guys night with his brother and friends.

Kodie and Ireland invited us to attend The Little Mermaid musical put on by the local kids in the area. We really enjoyed it. Lucy wanted to dance in front of her chair the whole time while the music was playing. I don't blame her! I love the soundtrack to that movie.

It was Lucy's first time attending a live performance. Looking back I should have prepped her more before we went, and have her watch the movie so that she understood the plot. ("Why is her dad breaking all her stuff?") She still enjoyed it though!

Clara did surprisingly well, even though I had to take her out once.

Nana with a few of her grand daughters.

Lovely ladies.

From the other end.

Haha! Twinners.

A Lucy original. 

Thanks for the fun night out Kodie, Ireland and Nana! We love girl time. 

Iowa: Wedding

While we were in Iowa we were lucky enough to be able to go to the wedding and reception of Zach's cousin. Lucky timing!

My beautiful family!

I loved the photo booth they rented. The company provided a curtain set up to close off an area to take pictures in, the digital camera, props, and the printing machine with photo paper. The camera was set with a foot activated pedal and had a large screen so you could see how you looked, position yourself inside the frame, and get ready. You stepped on the pedal and the screen had a countdown and then took a picture. It did a countdown three times and took three pictures. Then you stepped out and got a double copy of your photos. One for you to keep and one to glue in the guest book! I loved it!

I loved it so much I had to do another one with my girl, Lucy.

The other highlight of the evening was Lucy dancing the night away! She was in heaven and was very sad when we had to pull her away from the dance floor to head back to the hotel for the night.

The dance to see who has been married the longest. 

Lucy not wanting to miss a second of the dancing, even if she wasn't married. 

Looking for a dance partner.

Testing the floor out.

Making good use out of all the photo booth props.

Dancing with some of our lovely relatives. 

Congratulations, to Casey and Katie! We were so happy that we were able to attend and catch up with friends and family.

Iowa: Nana & Papa Time

The best part of our trip to Iowa? Time with grandparents!

Nana first!

Reading all the books.

Lucy giving the ol' "one-eye-open".

Clara proving that nothing is more soothing than Nana's lap.

The famous "frozen in mid-air" nap.

Now, Papa time!

Chillin'.

Picking out her favorite show.

Smoochin'!

Love!

So happy to be with family.

If only it was as affordable to fly to Alaska to visit the rest of our family. Hopefully, soon!

Iowa: Critters

We got a few surprises while visiting Greg and Kay. Bats! Luckily, Greg is very talented in the art of "catching" them with tennis rackets and getting them out of the house.

I took the opportunity to snap a few pictures and teach Lucy about bats!

Greg also discovered a praying mantis while doing yard work. Lucy enjoyed learning about all the new Iowan creatures we found while visiting.

Iowa: Leaving On A Jet Plane

At the end of August we headed to Iowa to visit family and use up some leave that wouldn't be able to be used after Zach's job changed. It was so nice to visit again! I always love visiting Greg and Kay, and it was so nice to reconnect and spend time with Zach too.

When traveling with kids you always hope and pray for the best, and luckily Lucy and Clara were pretty good!

Lucy looking for airplanes, and Clara getting the wiggles out before boarding.

This is what we like to see! A sleeping burrito baby.

A Lucy original.

Zumba!

I have been loving attending Zumba with my friends from church the past few months. We snapped this picture right before several of these lovely ladies had to move away.

I am someone who hates to sweat, but I recognize the importance of exercising and taking care of your body, so if I have to do it, I would always rather be dancing!

Once you get married there doesn't seem to be many opportunities to dance, so I love the fact that someone in our area is willing to do a Zumba class for free twice a week! I will miss it, and these amazing women, when we move!