Iowa Vacation Part III

Whew!... Finally home. The drive, in one 21 1/2 hour trip is brutal... for me and Joshua ;-). We only stopped for Lunch, Dinner, gas twice, and a few potty breaks.

The trip was fun, but it is good to be home.

Here is another slide show. This is Lake McBride, which is about 25 minutes South East of Cedar Rapids. A scenic tree lined lake that has a great swimming spot and kayaks, paddle boats, and a few cruising motor boats for hourly rental. We spent 1/2 a day there, and the kids had a blast building sand castles, swimming, and taking rides on the kayak with mom and dad.

Enjoy.

Iowa Vacation Part II

Today we visited the Amana Colonies, an old German Town South West of Cedar Rapids. It is famous for the numerous shops including a Bakery, Wollen Mill, Barns, Vintage Tractors and Farm equipment, Gift Shops, Craft Shops, Restaurants, a enormous Lily Pond, and home of the Worlds Largest Walnut Rocking Chair.

We got drizzled on by some rain. We caught some baby frogs and toads (the highlight of Jessica's trip). We sat in the rocking chair and some tractors. And we dragged 5 boys through toy and craft stores in search of souvenirs..... FUN FUN FUN.

Enjoy the slide show.
Sean, Mary & Kids

Iowa Vacation

Ok, so we have been sweatin' in the heartland. So far we toured the downtown that was under 5 to 20+ feet of water just weeks ago. Hundreds of homes and businesses destroyed and are now being condemned or need to be gutted and remodelled. It gave us some perspective on the blessing we enjoy. There are people without both a home and a place to work.... devastating.

Mary and I spent 4 separate evenings getting together with old High School friends, the second night was her 25th High School Reunion (Class of '83). I didn't bring the camera (oops) so we are wating for her friends to email some photos. It was fun to meet her friends from before we met. Some real nice and friendly people.

We spent a fun day at Lake McBride. The photos are on Gillian's cell phone, so a slide show is forth coming.

Today we got "down on the farm". Weapon's training, hanging out with Uncle Joe, watching a Midwest thunder/rain storm roll in, and relaxing on the front porch. On the way home we stopped in at Cousin Donnie's and played with his pet racoon, raised from a baby.... cute. Kind of a cross between a cat and dog.

So, that is it for now.... 4 days left.... we will post more pics later.
Love Sean, Mary & Kids

Boys Playing Mini Golf in Orem

Idaho Family Reunion