Van Meter, IA

We had a great and very relaxing trip to visit Michael, Kris, Jake and Emma.

Friday we stayed in all day and played board games, cards, did some origami, and played the WII (Greg hogged it). It rained most of the day, but stopped so that we could walk to pick Jake and Emma up from school. Then it started raining again, while Michael was grilling burgers outside. After dinner the 4 kids (Jake, Emma, Abby and Leah) gathered anything that could be used as an instrument and played band all night. They even made posters to decorate their studio and signs for the doors.

On Saturday, we didn't make it to our favorite spot, the Farmers' Market, because it was too cold for the kids to be walking around downtown. So they continued their band and played some more games. When it warmed up they finally made it outside to jump on the trampoline until Jake's soccer game. Greg and the girls went to the soccer game while I stayed at Michael's so Cameron could have his nap. After the soccer game they all came back, did more jumping and played hide and seek around Michael's yard. We finally riled them all up for baths and went out to another favorite spot, El Rodeo's, for dinner. Its cheep and very good Mexican. Even if they messed my order up 3 or 4 times. After dinner, we all jumped on the trampoline until dark.

Sunday we left early to stop in K.C. to meet Tank. He is Aunt Barb's new puppy. He's so cute and cuddly. He's 20lbs now and the next time we see him in August, he'll be 60lbs. After lunch with Aunt Barb and Steven, we headed back home.

The kids were AWESOME. It was so relaxing, all the kids played together so well and the adults had a lot of time to chat and visit. Abby, Leah and Cameron traveled amazingly and we had no major problems with them in the car for the trip. They were a lot of fun this weekend and we really enjoyed spending time with them.