Family Trip to Northwest Iowa

Last week Sunday night, after finishing the evening worship service, we packed up for a much needed trip to Northwest Iowa.  This was the first trip we've taken there since moving back to Iowa 18 months ago.  We were thankful to have an Aunt and Uncle's camper to borrow, which made the trip extra exciting for the three boys, who helped make their beds in the camper before leaving.  The only downside was that the trip took 5 hours, instead of 4, because pulling a trailer required driving a little slower.

A picture of our outfit at the Five and Dime gas station (Iowa's Best Burgers Cafe) before getting on I-80.

Brian had some errands to run for my in-laws, so I took the opportunity to enjoy taking some photos on their yard.

We helped Brian's mom and dad with some landscaping projects, which turned out really nice.  I forgot to take an after picture of the sidewalk.  They finished it right after dark.  The boys loved playing in the dirt and sand, and riding in the skid loader.  I enjoyed a good work out from hauling bricks to lay the sidewalks.

We hung some Christmas lights on the camper for fun.  The weather couldn't have been more beautiful for camping - 80s in the day and 60s at night.  The full moon was beautiful over the cornfields of Northwest Iowa, along with the Union Pacific train that runs a mile east of their home.  I would have loved to have gotten pictures of the full moon and train, but we stayed busy with projects and playing with grandpa and grandma.  Swimming with the cousins at the Sioux Center Pool, and taking home Pizza Ranch pizza was probably the highlight of our trip for the boys. 

My favorite part was leaving the boys with grandpa and grandma and getting coffee with Brian and watching the Dordt football team practice near Dordt College's campus.

I wish I could have had time to take the boys to Brian's dad's shop, to see his current stained glass projects and take pictures, and also missed picking up a few Almond Patties from the local bakery, but there is always next time!