Weekend #2 of travel...

I would say this was a more successful driving experience than last weekend with the boys -- after getting home last weekend, discovered that both had ear infections, which I'm sure contributed to their fussiness.  So this weekend was much more pleasant - not without some fussing, don't get me wrong - but more happy times than not.  :)  We met mom and dad in Iowa City and jumped in with them - easier for helping the boys with things while driving than me on my own.  :}  Our destination... Goshen, Indiana!  (Estimated travel from Ankeny:  7 1/2 hours!)

josiah relaxing en route to goshen, indiana!

We got to spend time with my dad's family -- all but two were there!  (Jake stayed home for work/Boone HS football and Conrad was already in Harrisonburg for school). So there were 22 of us, staying between two houses (Grandpa Yutzy's house & Barb/Randy's house), which are on lots of land right next to each other... was so fun!  B&R's driveway goes right past Grandpa & Grandma's house, so we could drop-off/pick-up whomever and then drive on back to where we were staying! Perfect! The weather was beautiful, so we spent a lot of time outside - the kids LOVED the big backyard at B&R's, especially the giant sandbox.

josiah, enjoying the sandbox!

roman & grandpa mark at the essenhaus for brunch - yum!

josiah discovered a giant "corn" elk at the essenhaus!

josiah playing with great-grandpa yutzy...

josiah, grandma susan, aunt donna, roman

taking cover while it rained for about 10 minutes... then back to the bbq!

trevor was a great caretaker for the boys! they loved his wagon rides!  

raefe in charge of the water hose... chasing down roman & chelsea!

When we got into our van in Iowa City on Sunday night, Roman asked if we were going to Raefe's house, and I said 'no'. So then he asked if we could go to Grandpa & Grandma's house, and again I said 'no'.  I said we'd be going home to see daddy.  he said, 'oh, ok' and quickly settled into his seat for the easy drive home, accompanied by the Backyardigans.  (thank goodness for DVD players in vehicles!)

We love that we can easily drive to see family and spend time with them - but then there's nothing like coming home to your own bed. We are so blessed... life is good, isn't it?