The boys and I went up to the lake a couple of weeks ago to visit my Grandparents before they were heading off to Texas for the winter. This was the first time I have made this drive by myself with the boys, and I was pleasantly surprised by their stamina. It was 8 1/2 hours each way, but they were the best passengers! There were no complaints from them that they wanted to get out of the car, and they were completely content to watch all the combines and tractors in the fields as we drove through the beautiful Illinois/Iowa countryside.
We arrived at the lake Sunday afternoon, with plenty of time for some golf cart rides, gathering sticks for our bonfire, and of course enjoying some s'mores!
Cooper enjoying his s'more
Grant and his sticky face!
Jackson and his "marshmallow free" s'more...he doesn't know what he's missing!
The next morning we went into town to visit with my grandparents. The boys and I were treated to Grandma's special orange rolls, yum!! We hadn't seen my grandparents in over a year and it was so wonderful to get to spend some special time with them.
Great Grandpa and Grant being silly.
After naps that day, my Uncle Denny and Aunt LuAnne called to invite us all out to the farm. The boys were sooo excited! They got to feed the donkey, ride the donkey, ride on cool farm equipment, explore the farm, and enjoy my Uncle's hilarious sense of humor. :)
Denny greeted the boys with an ear of corn to feed the donkey
Saying hello to Kurtis the Donkey
Grant was the first to volunteer to ride on Kurtis.
Then it was Cooper's turn
Jackson, my cautious child, was more comfortable guiding Kurtis than riding him.
Cooper taking Kurtis for a walk
Jackson finally got up the courage and sat on Kurtis and he was so proud!
Time to ride on the "shrek-mobile" (notice the stickers)
How many boys can fit on a tractor?
Taking a ride out in the field. Isn't it beautiful!!
Cooper saying goodbye to Kurtis
The boys, especially Jackson, did not want to leave the farm. They had so much fun! For the rest of our trip, Jackson would ask if he could go back to the farm and do some work. He must be a country boy at heart!
The next day my mom, the boys, and I met up with my grandparents to head out to the country to visit "the little church." Once again the boys loved exploring and Jackson didn't want to leave there either.
Jackson in awe of how small this church is compared to ours back home.
There were four small pews inside and on the alter lay a bible. I went up to look at it and couldn't read a word. It was a Norwegian bible.
We had absolutely gorgeous weather while we were at the lake. We couldn't have ordered better weather! We spent one afternoon at the little park by my parent's house raking up the leaves and letting the boys jump and play in them. It always amazes me how the most simple of activities can bring so much joy to my boys. They just loved hearing the sound of the leaves as the ran through them, rolling around in the leaves, throwing leaves on each other, and jumping into big piles of leaves. It was a great fall memory!
We were only gone for a few days but we packed a lot in during that time. The boys were exhausted by the end of each day, and so were my mom and I. This was how our days ended, barely able to keep our eyes open to watch a little TV before bed.
Whew...that was a lot! We did a lot in those few days. The trip was super fun, and the drive was totally bearable, dare I say enjoyable! I'm so glad the boys and I were able to make this trip and spend some time with my grandparents before they left for Texas. I only wish we lived closer so these trips weren't so spread out. But I will take the time we get and treasure it!
