Mid-May

It wasn't in the plans, but when there were so many reasons to celebrate with family in Iowa/South Dakota, it fell into place for us to take a short trip out for the weekend.

Nathan had to be at a workshop in Chicago on Tue. and Wed. so the boys and I drove down together to meet up with him on Wed. Nathan wasn't finished until suppertime so the boys and I enjoyed swimming in the pool at the hotel. I remember truly enjoying our time together and thinking that it was so fun to have 2 boys! Nathan joined us at suppertime and we went out for Chicago style pizza. Mmmmm. The next morning we packed up and drove the rest of the way to mom and dad's house. Mom had made a delicious homemade meal for us and the boys were elated to play with grandpa and grandma in the basement. Nathan went right to work on finishing a grant proposal that was due and finished it around 1:00 in the morning. The next day was Friday. Claire graduated from preschool so mom and I went with the boys to Sioux Falls for the day to celebrate.







On Saturday morning we went out for breakfast at Prairie Queen. Dad had just finished working there and it was the first week that they were open. Then we hung out at mom and dads until it was time to leave for Sioux Center. The boys were thrilled to get some mower rides (I think Nathan had just as much fun too!). Mom took the boys exploring upstairs in the barn. And they enjoyed the swing in the backyard. Everyone was relaxed and having fun until we realized how late it was getting.




Next it was off to Sioux Center for the Tulip Time parade. I find it quite ironic that we have them every year here in Holland and I've never gone to any of them. Dorian loved the parade so much that the rest of us probably enjoyed watching him more than the actual parade. :) I guess I'll have to make it a priority next year to go the Tulip Time parade in Holland.









Later that night, we went to Aniah and Eden's house to celebrate their birthdays! It was a princess celebration! We haven't had any of those at our house. :) Ryan grilled and Heidi had made many delicious salads.





Another full day on Sunday. Church in the morning with mom and dad and then off to Sioux Falls for the rest of the day. Rodney and Kerry were having an Open House to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary and also Ashley's 5th grade graduation. Emma even modeled Kerry's wedding dress.



Ashley's graduation was Monday morning, but we changed our plans and decided to drive back home on that day.