We have had a very active July, just the way I like it! I spent a few days in Okoboji with an old friend, Pam Ferris. It was so great getting together with her after all these years. She has a beautiful home on West Okoboji. Thanks, Pam!
The highlight was a 9 day farm visit with Drew, Kayley and Ryan. It was Ryan's first time to the farm flying solo without his parents and he did great! Matt and I met Megan in Iowa City on July 25th, we switched vehicles and back to the farm we headed with three new riders!
They were happy to be heading to the farm!
One of the first things they did upon arrival was get their swim suits on and head to Pirates Bay. They love Pirates Bay; their grandfather, not so much. :-) (lots of drying out time after all the fun and trying to pack it into a bag!)
Waiting for the water to be added....Ryan, get your suit on asap!
Another favorite thing to do on the farm is ride the golf cart and cut "trees". We drove everywhere on both places looking for branches that hit the cart roof and down they went, courtesy of Drew, Kayley!
We took off Wednesday morning for Adventureland Park and Adventure Bay water park. They had a blast, especially at the water park. Grandpa and Grandma had a good time, too, and we were all pooped when we arrived home! I was especially glad everyone's sunscreen worked properly!
Big sister kindly agreed to ride this with Ryan.
Grandpa took them on the log ride
Kayley got drenched on the ride, Drew and Grandpa not so much!
Ryan was really lovin' this underground railroad ride!
Finally, the water park fun begins
Time out for some ice cream
Ryan directing visitors to the ice cream shop
The older siblings graciously agreed to ride this, as Ryan didn't want to go it alone!
The rest of their visit was filled with many lawn mower, golf cart and gator rides all around the farm. They also wanted a bonfire every night. Drew loved keeping the fire burning and discovered one morning that it was still smoking. He kept that fire burning ALL day by gathering brush and sticks. He needs to join the Boy Scouts, I think! The sweet corn was ready during their visit, thanks to good neighbor Craig. Kayley, who has lost many teeth, was the only child to eat it!
Grandpa doesn't appear to think much of their downtime activities! Haha
Kayley digging the sweet corn!
Our beautiful and fun loving grandchildren.
Grandpa getting ready to light the bonfire for s'mores
Watching the fire from the back of grandpa's gator
Monday, August 3 arrived and it was time to drive them back to their home in Peoria. It was a bittersweet parting....they were sad to leave the farm but they were super excited to go see their brand new house and their bedrooms! Megan and Andy were busy getting ready for the big move from the apartment to the new home, so it was a good time for the 3 kids to be at the farm for a visit so their parents could work on that not so fun task! When we arrived, they didn't know where to run to first, but their bedrooms and the toy room in the basement were high on their priority lists! The home is very beautiful and once they finally get all the boxes unloaded, the pictures hung, etc., they are really going to enjoy it there. I stayed for two days to help with the boxes and to watch the kids. Was fun!
Drew has tackle FB this year. Grandma says "yikes".
Kayley taking her first shower in her very own bathroom. Quite proud...
Ryan didn't know quite what to think about his brand new BIG bed. :-)
