Tales from Mommy Merrill: Summer fun in Iowa

NOTICE FROM THE MOST OVERDUE BLOG ON THE BLOCK:

We went to Iowa for 18 days!

First, I have to appologize for the fact that I haven't blogged for MONTHS... and it's not because I don't have anything to report, it's because I just haven't had time! This little munchkin has kept me on my toes and there has been lots going on at the Merrill Household!

With an extremely busy year with the business... hiring new people, traveling for work and preparing for this trip pushed me near my mommy limit. But nothing my awesome family, beautiful Iowa weather and couple glasses of crisp white wine couldn't fix!

We started this trip on a Wednesday... and I was counting on the way to the airport that this was Drew's 9th airplane trip since he has been been born! For only 16 months old -- that's a lot of trips! He is going to know all of his cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and great grandparents well...Ronnie and I are committed to lots of visits so this is only the beginning!

This is a shot of Drew at the Tampa Airport... BEFORE he started throwing his ball at anyone and everyone. He made lots of friends in the 60 minutes we waited by the gate!

Skinned knee and all... we are ready to rock this trip!

Hey mom - do you think the flight attendants will find me down here? I need some cookies!

Wendy picked us up from the airport in Minneapolis and we headed staight to Mankato! These two were reuinited and double-trouble was BAAAACK!

'I swear we didn't do it."

If this isn't a 'meeting of the minds' I don't know what is! Ethan was quite the leader -- Drew was obsessed with Ethan this entire trip. Since we have been back, he stops in his tracks every time I pull up a video from the trip with Ethan it. It is the cutest thing.

The next day we were OFF TO THE LAKE! However, had to make a pit-stop in Wally World to hide out during a bad storm! The 3 amigos all jumped in the cart (this lasted about 30 seconds) - #mobileplaypen #notforlong

We stayed at Bridges Bay in Okoboji. It is a great resort/hotel right on the lake with an indoor waterpark (for those stormy days) and a great outdoor pool. Luke and Drew were in charge of moving all of our stuff in...


'Hey Drew - make sure our snacks don't fall off the cart!"

Wendy and I were excited to have almost 3 weeks to hang out together and one of the things we love to do (well we love it because we love to eat and drink too) is run! We found a great route from the resort and ventured out the next morning. View from the trail with the lake in the background:

Is this heaven? No, it's Iowa.

The first weekend we were in Boji was to be there to support the 4-H Foundation Golf Tournament that dad helps organize each year. Ronnie golfed and had a blast! During the tournament I was able to hang out with my life long friend Becky (Brand) Thomas and her kiddos! We all had a blast at the pool.

After the tourny was over, we all went over to the club for the Silent Auction. It was a blast and it we had fun supporting such a great program. Ronnie and I bought some ISU Basketball Tickets - Can't wait for some Hilton Magic next January!

Checking out the list of items to bid on...

Two Tickets in the 6th row at Hilton - SOLD!

After the auction we all went over to 'Green Space' to listen to a little Damon Dobson and enjoy the 9:30pm sunset! SO beautiful! Connie lined up some babysitters for the evening so we could all enjoy the night!

Photo opp time on the dock!

Selfie!

Me and dad! Love this picture!


Me and Aunt Ronda!

The next day we all hung out by the pool! Aunt Bri, Uncle Ben and Cousin Beau came up.. I don't have any pics of the three boys at the pool, but trust me - THEY HAD FUN!

Grandma Butcher is such a joy! We just love spending time with her!

Papa's in the pool! Of course being silly and getting these little guys all wound up in the water!

That evening, Renea and Steve came over and we all went to dinner - fun was had by all!

The Butcher Bunch!

Sunday we took a trip to Arnold's Park... all the locals call it "The Park"... we were feeling like locals by the end of the trip! We made several appearances at 'The Park'!

BABY BOATS!

'Hey Beau - they're all lookin' at us...what's the big deal? I mean, we're just ridin' around in some flying dragons!??

Oh boy... then there were these two and the train... so Luke is a total wild man dare devil and made us all nervous on this little train (that actually went pretty fast)! Double Trouble got paired up in the same car and we all thought Luke was going to let Drew out, then let himself out and fly off the tracks. It was one of those... 'is this funny and cute or is this scary' moments!

'See Drew - ya just pull this rope and you're free... ready??'

Chillin' in a flying fishy...

Andrew, Melissa and Kelby came up for the day but where MIA for this photo opp! This is BOB Stroller Madness! Beau, Luke, Drew and Kate! Quite the crew!

On the top of the crazy house!

I love this next picture of Drew and the Monkeys! He was hugging them and wanted to be their friend! He is really into the '5 Little Monkeys' book right now and if we were to go back to The Park now he would probably try to jump on the bench!