My Weekend in Iowa

Friday

The day started out assisting my grandfather in cleaning out cabin, as his girlfriend and him were throwing a little party that evening. It wasn't very exciting so my mother and I decided we would head to my aunt's house in Algona. It was actually perfect for me because one of my good friends from college was getting married the next day!!! That night was spent hanging out with my family and meeting up with my lovely friends, who I haven't seen in a year, at a local bar. I almost started crying I was so happy!!!

Saturday
Wedding Day for my lovely friend, Ashley, who I met about 6 years ago through another friend. Her and her husband are perfect for each other and not to mention an adorable couple! I felt so honored to be invited to share their special day with them!!!

Sunday

This day marked the first of many visits to the Cabin for my adorable little nephew, Jacob. The cabin is very important to my family and has been apart our family for almost 40 years, and now we have introduced another generation to this amazing place. The cabin is our home away from home and is the place where we gather as a family for some boating/tubing, eating, jet skiing and mostly just hanging out! Look at how much Jacob loves being here :)

This Sunday also was the first time in YEARS that the majority of our cousin clan (minus Holly, the oldest) was able to gather and capture a photo, or two, with grandpa! Words cannot express how happy I am to have this photo of ALL OF US because with everyone's schedule beginning to get more and more busy, who knows when it will happen again.

Monday/Tuesday
Nothing really exciting to report for these days. We really just hung around the cabin being entertained by mister Jacob, who went in the tube and the lake for the first time. He also got to see his very first train that flies by the cabin and let's just say...not his favorite.

Wasn't a fan of the trains.

Overall, the past few days have been pretty amazing! I can't believe I only have 7 days left in Iowa :(

Sweet Home Iowa

Words cannot express how ecstatic I am to be back home once again in the lovely state of Iowa. It has been over a year since I was here last and since I've seen my Iowa friends and some of my family. Luckily for myself, some of my family  comes to AZ to visit us during the winter; my grandpa, aunt and uncle (own a winter house in AZ) and my two cousins (their parents own the house). I have been so blessed to be able to spend more time with those I love since moving away from my extended family was very difficult for me.

The best part about visiting Iowa this year is the newest addition to my life, well, I guess I should really say two additions; one, My new amazing camera and second, my little nephew's first Iowa cabin experience (though he doesn't get here until Saturday late night, so right now I'm just enjoying using my camera!)

See what I mean...WAY TOO MUCH FUN!

On a sadder note: this will be the second summer my family has spent at the cabin without my wonderfully amazing grandmother, who passed away Sept 2009 from cancer. What she brought to my family is indescribable an unmeasurable. She truly was a gift from god. Not a day goes by that I don't miss her brightening smile and warming hugs and I know she will be with me and my the rest of our lives as our guarding angel. It is a little strange without her here at the cabin, but my family stays in high spirits because deep down we all know that is what my grandmother would want.

If you can't tell, I'm looking forward to the next 12 days! It's packed full with fun-filled activities: a wedding, family cabin craziness, the Iowa State Fair, and much more. Stay tuned!!!