An Iowa Fall and J's Birthday

We LOVE fall!!  It is by far our very favorite season for so many reasons.  The crisp, cool weather, the brilliant fall colors, the yummy soups, the cozy sweaters, and it's the beginning of all kinds of seasons - the holiday season, football season, and of course a new school year.  (I still can't resist buying myself some new school supplies - it's so exciting!)

Iowa boasts it's own display of gorgeousness.

 

But for us it was made even more beautiful this year with all our visitors!

My FABULOUS mom and dad surprised us with an overnighter.  Due to weather, their weekend plans were ruined, so they zipped up for a quick 20 hour visit.  It was the BEST suprise of the week!  If only the weather helped that happen more often...

 Then, my little sister came down from Chicago for a few days of girl time - along with cute little Lucy in tow.  One day she playing in the back field with Lucy and Little Man without me when our neighbor girl came over to say hi and chat.  The next time I saw her (neighbor girl) she asked where my new dog was...not realizing that the someone she'd talked to before wasn't me...oh to be ten again.  The compliment was definitely in my favor, wouldn't you say?

Then, J's FANTASTIC parents came and stayed for an entire week - it was SO much fun!  I think I may have had the most fun of anybody since it is normally just Little and I all day every day and to be around people we love was just the best.   J took the week off and we visited the Amana Colonies, Brucemore in Cedar Rapids, out to eat for J's birthday, date for J's bday, movies, games and lots and lots of eating.  I gained some weight that week...

Cute Grandma spoiled us rotten taking us shopping and shopping - new clothes and books for Little Man and Costco treats for Mommy.  And of course, she was the best sitter during dates. Little loved having them here!  (I think sometimes he gets bored with me...)

He learned all kinds of new tricks and sounds from Grandma and Grandpa which have become part of his daily babblings...

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And of course, Grandpa couldn't wait to teach Little how to work his birthday motorcycle from Grandma. 

 Just wait until Grandpa takes him on the road and teaches him for real...

And of course our Big Little's birthday.  He's so grown up, and we're so proud!

 

There were gifts, really, we just can't see them here.

THANK YOU EVERYONE for coming to see us in Iowa!!  We love you all!