Omaha

We went back and forth about what we were going to do as a family this summer, if anything.  We knew we didn't want to spend more than 1 night in a hotel, wherever we decided to go, so we couldn't go far.  We toyed with the idea of going to Minneapolis and staying with Justin's aunt and uncle for one night, and doing one night in the hotel, seeing all the sights up there. We also contemplated going to Kansas City.  Justin and I went there a few years ago and had a good time.  Our other option was going to Omaha.  We finally decided that we needed to do SOMETHING before Alena started school.

We ran into twin boys from Alena's previous daycare class and their parents at the Des Moines zoo. They had recently made a trip to Omaha and had nothing but good things to say about the Children's Museum there.  Our neighbors from our old neighborhood also raved about it last summer when they returned from a trip there.  In the end, we decided to head West.

We left mid morning and made it to Omaha a little before the museum opened.  (Although it is GREAT everyone is potty trained, that means more stops to use the bathroom. We may or may not have stopped to go potty on the exit ramp a time or two!).  We packed a picnic lunch so we ate that prior to going into the zoo.  A lady struck up a conversation with us while our kids played on the playground by the museum, asking "what's is like to go from 2 kids to 3?"  Which we responded, "What's it like to just have 2 kids?"  Long story short, she was making a cross country, 12 day trip with her 4 year old and 1.5 year old from Dallas.  Her next stop was "in Northwest Iowa."  When I asked her what city, I was caught off guard when she said, "Granville."  What?!  This is the city my mom and her family grew up in and it is a tiny little town. Everyone knows everyone. When I told her my grandfather's name she recognized it right away.  Small world.

The museum was stimuli overload!  It was busy and loud, although this didn't seem to bother the kids.  They didn't know where to start and quite frankly neither did I.  When you are outnumbered with kids it can be challenging to keep an eye on everyone, especially in busy places.  Thankfully for the most part, the girls wanted to stick together so I followed them while Justin kept an eye on Caleb. He was very fond of the mechanic's shop where he probably changed about 50 tires and checked under the car a handful of times.  I thought the girls would want to attend the Princess Dance Party but they wanted nothing of it. Instead they played in the pneumatic tube area where balls were flying everywhere, the art area and the Lego area the most.

They all enjoyed the little grocery store, with a medical office, bank and restaurant. Lauren was in a zone here and couldn't be bothered for anything, not even ONE picture.  Alena particularly enjoyed checking out the groceries for all her "friends."  Unfortunately, none of her friends bothered to put their groceries away after paying for them so I spent most of the time doing that.  Actually, being in that place caused me to have a mini panic attack because all I wanted to do was put everything back in it's little place, but then tiny hands would take them right back off the shelf again and into their grocery cart!

My Lego builder

This doesn't show it, but she was having a blast

Checking out

They LOVED that they could paint their own faces

We ended the day going through the little water play area outside of the museum (luckily I had their swimsuits).  We then checked into the hotel and met my cousin for dinner at a local brewery.  I have a love for a good falafel sandwich and you can't find them many places.  The one I had that night was delicious-I would definitely get it again.  After walking around the Old Market we said our goodbyes to my cousin and headed into the hotel, (which is beautiful, new and modern-a big thanks to my cousin for getting us a great rate at the Hyatt).

We limit our overnight stays in a hotel because nobody usually sleeps well when all 5 of us are in the same room.  This room had two double beds plus a sofa sleeper so we didn't need to utilize the pack n plays.  We started the process early because we knew it would take a while for the 3 little ones to fall asleep.  There is usually talking, giggles, trips to the bathroom, complaints that someone is stealing the covers, etc.  Justin and C bunked up together, the girls slept on the sofa sleeper and I had my own bed :).  Justin and I had good intentions of getting a cocktail from the hotel bar after everyone fell asleep, but I fell asleep too.

At 3:00 AM I woke up to a thud and crying.  Little missy had fallen out of bed. I quickly picked her up and deposited her in my bed for the rest of the night.  Thankfully everyone slept in (which means sleeping until 7:00 in our household).

After some morning cartoons in bed we decided to head to breakfast.  I think it's perfectly ok to go to breakfast in a hotel in your jammies but maybe other people think that is weird?  Needless to say, we all headed in our bed wear and enjoyed a yummy breakfast.  During our breakfast it down poured outside. I had no idea it was supposed to rain and was worried it would ruin our plans for the day.

Then we got ready for the day and headed to the zoo crossing our fingers the storms would stay away.  Thankfully the first 4 hours we were there were overcast and perfect temps.  After a late lunch, the sun came out and it was hot!  Although there are a few things under construction there was still plenty to see. In fact we were hurrying at the end to get to all the exhibits.  A new exhibit is where you can touch and feed stingrays. Alena, Justin and I all fed stingrays which was really neat. It made me immediately want to jump on a plane back to Grand Cayman.

I could watch the gorillas all day

train ride selfie

Waiting for a stingray to eat her shrimp

I love this zoo.  Did you know it was ranked the 6th best zoo in the world last year?  It will be even better after the African part is completed, which is scheduled for Summer of 2016.  We plan to head back in a couple years, when strollers won't be needed.  We stayed almost until the zoo closed then headed back into the van for the trip home.  It took the twins 13 minutes of driving before falling asleep :).

All in all it was a very successful trip.  Where is this summer going?

Iowa Games

For fun, we decided to sign Alena up for the Iowa Games.  It was originally Justin's idea and it sounded like a good idea.  Plus, since we are living in Ames, it was very convenient.

Alena has never ran in any organized event.  Nor were we sure she could even run 100 meters. A month or so before the race, we headed to Ames High for a couple practice runs on the track.  Walking onto that track brought back many wonderful memories. I loved running track, especially hurdles and had such a positive experience at Ames High.  

She didn't seem to have any difficulty completing 100 meters but we decided not to push it to 200 meters.  When I was signing her up, I also decided to sign her up for the long jump, just for fun.

The morning of the games, we drove out to the Cyclone Sports Complex.  We noticed people walking in with canopies, coolers, camping chairs, etc.  All we had were a couple bottles of water and some sunscreen.  It was obvious we were Iowa Games virgins but none the less we had a great time and a good first experience.

The long jump was first and since Alena was in the 6 and under group she got to jump first.  Luckily we had enough time to do a few practice runs because she had NEVER done this before.  She's a quick learner and caught on right away.  I was pleased when she didn't scratch her first jump so she would at least get a jump that would count.  She ended up completing all 4 jumps without any scratches and won 2nd place. She was thrilled!  

Her long jump medal

Next up were the 8-10 year old girls. I was surprised at the number of girls wearing track spikes and in track uniforms!  Apparently, there are numerous track clubs around the state that athletes can be a part of.  I had no idea.  Either this wasn't available when I was in school, or I didn't know anyone who was a part of them.  That just seems too young to me.  One particular girl even had a USA tank top she wore for the meet!  I have a feeling as my children continue to participate in activities, many things will surprise me!  

We then sat in the stands to watch a few of the running events before Alena's 100 meter dash.  While getting checked in for the race, we watched the 100 meter hurdles and 110 meter hurdles.  Alena was scared of the starting gun, and nearly had a break down while lining up for her race. Justin was already down near the finish line, planning to video tape her run.  I had to think fast to get her to calm down. I told her she could cover her ears, lined up her in lane 5, and then I headed halfway down the home stretch so I could cheer her on.  

As she waited for the gun to go off she stood there just as I said:  With her hands over her ears. Needless to say she didn't have the best start but then took off.  Although she looked around and behind her nearly the entire race, she ended up winning the race.  Her smile was huge and we were all so proud of her.

She had a fun time and it was very well organized.  I definitely think we will do this again.  I may even look into running something...

We finished the weekend with a trip to Polk City's town festival, a movie at the theater (I highly recommend Inside Out), and two trips to the pool.  My nieces were in town so it was a crowded house but a lot of fun!

I've had lots of fun seeing old high school classmates and teachers while in Ames.  One afternoon after swimming at the indoor pool Alena and I took a trip into the high school gymnasium, and I took her down memory lane:

State champion shuttle hurdle team-Sophomore year

The year Ames won the team championship-Freshman year

We won the pentathlon championship two years in a row

The only school record of mine that still remains

This sort of makes me feel like Uncle Rico from Napoleon Dynamite: "Back in '82 I used to be able to throw a pigskin a quarter of a mile."  Honestly, it's been years since I've thought of these accomplishments and they are pretty small compared to what many other classmates did.  It's still fun to look back at these memories.

Gone Too Soon

I lost another high school classmate this week. That makes four.  Four lives taken much too soon. I've only been out of high school for 16 years. This is the prime of our lives. We should be settled in our careers and starting families.  We shouldn't be saying goodbye.

One drug overdose, one heart attack, one sudden cardiac arrest.  I don't know what caused the last classmate to leave this Earth and maybe I don't want to know.

Many people say it takes something like this to realize that life is too short. Ironically, this entire summer I have been consumed with this knowledge.  I've had these moments, when I'm watching my children with their grandparents, that I know someday memories will no longer be able to be made with them.

I have come to the realization that my parents won't be around forever. As I look into the future, thinking about watching my children participate in activities, make friends, graduate, get married and have children, I had this assumption that my parents will be there to witness it all.  But what if they aren't?  I imagine them guiding me through all the challenges of raising a child, watching my failures and my successes.  Helping me when I'm busy and drowning with numerous school activities, but laughing along with me through the struggles. 

I picture my parents sitting in the bleachers during track meets, soccer games, and softball games.  I see them crammed into auditoriums for band concerts, swing choir and award ceremonies.  Or traveling together to out of town meets and new vacation spots. 

I've mentioned this before: I lost my last living grandparent when I was in 7th grade.  Many classmates had grandparents there to watch every one of their sporting events, witness their graduation, and hold their great grandchildren.  I always wanted that.  Now more than ever, I realize how important that is to me.  But I do know this is out of my hands. 

So I will take any opportunity to spend time with my parents. To allow my children to enjoy activities with them. To make unforgettable memories.  To take too many pictures and videos.  To laugh together, be silly together, and play together.  To just BE together.  We never know how much time we have.

Going Green

I've always been a little afraid of the green smoothies.  The color is a little turn off and quite frankly, I don't really care for the veggies that make up these infamous green smoothies.


HOWEVER, I recently had a very delicious smoothie from a health food café a couple weeks. On a whim, I met my cousin for lunch near her office and talked myself into giving one of these smoothies a taste.  (She told me it was good, and I trust her taste buds!).  This particular smoothie had kale, spinach and mango.  3 foods I really don't care for!


I was immediately hooked, In fact, I haven't stopped thinking about how good that smoothie was.   It's a good thing the café is a little far away, or I would have made at least two more trips down there for another one.  It was fantastic!  Knowing, I am eating about 3 cups of green vegetables is a bonus as well. 


So, I have been on the hunt to find a recipe similar to this one.  I'm still hunting...


Meanwhile, during our weekly family grocery outing, I suggested making green smoothies to Alena.  I was really worried that if she knew what a green smoothie was composed of she would instantly be turned off.  Surprisingly, she was really excited. So while getting our other fruits and veggies, I picked up some kale and mangoes. 

I make smoothies a lot at home especially because we have had a plethora of fresh strawberries and blueberries living on my parent's "plantation."  My kids drink these up like they are sipping down ice cold lemonade on a hot day so I usually wait to serve them after dinner or as a snack.

A few days ago, I created my own green smoothie, sans a recipe!  I just dumped and mixed, crossing my fingers that something delicious (or at least edible) would be created.  When I mentioned I had made a green smoothie they were ecstatic.  After dinner, I poured them each a little to try and watched for their reaction.

Three thumbs up!  Alena thought it tasted like a cupcake (weird!) and they all loved the green mustache they got.  (I had to take multiple photos to show them).  We finished the rest of the smoothie before bedtime.

I'm excited to continue to experiment with these green smoothies and will need to purchase a new blender/vitamix after the move.  

Go, Go, Go

As usual, we decided to cram as much as possible into this weekend as there was so much going on!

After a much needed girls night out for Firefly Country Nights Thursday night, Friday afternoon we watched Alena participate in the Battle of the Bands at school before taking advantage of the zoo being open in the evening.  We spent nearly 3 hours at the zoo enjoying the animals and special activities they had for the kids.  (Why is it the animals are so much more entertaining after hours?).

Battle of the Bands

I don't know what she is doing but I love her dimples in this pic

Saturday morning, all 7 of us piled into the van and we headed to Grundy Center for the Felix Grundy Festival.  When Justin's parents still lived in Grundy we were annual attendees.  Now that his parents don't live there, it's a little harder to get there but it is still a fun time.  I love all the free activities for the kids, (jump houses, rock climbing, face painting, etc).  The pool is open for a couple hours before the parade and this is the perfect pool for little ones.  There are two separate areas that the kids can play in without me having an anxiety attack that someone will go under water.  The parade in the late afternoon is always a great way to end the day.  Each year I have wanted to have a caricature completed of the kids but the line has always been so long.  Thankfully, mom volunteered to stand in line so I could check that off the list of things to do. I think it turned out pretty cute.

After 9 mini donuts

I just can't cut her hair yet

Out, sucker and all

Sunday afternoon was HOT. We had planned to go to the Ledges again but decided to hit the pool instead. After the twins woke from their nap, we headed to the Nevada pool.  This has quickly become one of my favorite pools and it is actually closer to my parent's house than the Ames pool.  Alena is finally tall enough to ride the slides, (at least to Nevada's standards-the height requirement is the same at Ames but they wouldn't let her ride). We had a blast riding on inflatables down the slide.

Back to the grind tomorrow as I leave home early to travel to Southern Iowa...