GRANDPA!!!!

Grandpa Faust called last week and said he could come for a visit on Thursday! We were all SO excited to see him, it's a good thing we had a busy week to keep us distracted before his arrival. He drove to Chicago and picked up Uncle Joe and got here in the afternoon. Cassidy started watching out the window at about 8:00 a.m. :) 

We enjoyed beautiful weather all the days Dad and Uncle Joe were here - mid 70's or low 80's with low humidity, lots of sunshine and nice breezes. Thursday afternoon we relaxed on the patio, had dinner and generally unwinded after a long day of preparation (me) and driving (them). 

Friday morning we got up and headed to Ames for a fun trip to Reiman Gardens at ISU. What an awesome place to have so close to us! The kiddos love being there, walking through the pathways and seeing all the flowers, sculptures, gardens, and more.

Both touching The World's Largest Gnome.

Trav LOVES jumping off these boulders. He does it every time we're there.

After the Gardens, we went to Aunt Maude's in downtown Ames for lunch - a favorite place of ours. Then we went home and after a rest (Uncle Joe napped on the upstairs balcony in the sun and declared, "I could live up here!") the kids changed into their swimsuits and played in the kiddie pool in the backyard. We had a yard walk, funny conversation, and generally lazed around enjoying the gorgeous summer weather. That night Dad got his belated Father's Day present - a special dinner of Roasted Beef Tenderloin with "The Sauce". :)

Saturday morning we drove to downtown Des Moines for the fabulous Farmer's Market. What a decadent place to visit! Lots and lots of gorgeous fresh produce and bakery items and prepared ethnic foods - truly something for everyone! We had lunch at The Machine Shed and made a quick trip to Trader Joe's too. Everyone needed a little rest when we got home, and then we all headed down to our antique carousel. Everyone rode (except me - motion sickness) and had a great time being a kid again!

This picture, as blurry as it is, is one of my all-time favorite pictures of my Dad. Now that's a man having fun on vacation!! :)

Sunday morning we all went to church, a special celebration day for our church's 115th anniversary. A catered lunch from Hickory Park followed, and then it was time for Dad and Uncle Joe to say good-bye. Cassidy is still not happy about Grandpa leaving. "I feel so very sad. It's hard to say good-bye." Don't worry, Pumpkin - we'll see him again in a few short months when we visit Michigan in October. It was an awesome weekend! Thanks so much for visiting us, Grandpa and Uncle Joe!! We love you!