Visitors from Georgia

In August we had some visitors from Georgia...Grandpa Steve (my dad) and Nanna Celeste. We did our usual trip to the mall when they got here on Thursday. Anne had graciously offered to pick them up at the airport because Brecken had her 9-month check-up, so we met them there for lunch. Grandpa and Cade walked around the mall several times, making stops at the candy store and the play area. Then that night, Celeste made a delicious Chicken Pot Pie (Paula Deen recipe) for us for dinner and then the Cases and Grandpa John came over for dessert, strawberry shortcake! (Yes I actually made it).

On Friday, we took Brecken to get her 9-month pictures taken at Portrait Innovations so Grandpa entertained Cade while we were doing that. (Grandpa and Cade had a lot of bonding time during this visit!: ) )They walked around the lake at the mall and then went inside and waited for us to get done. Jim met us at the picture place and that is why her smiles were so big! Jim and Brecken went for a walk while I was picking out pictures. I hate that they make you pick them out right away because then they talk you into buying more than you need...but they're just too darn cute! I told the employee helping me that I wanted to spend $50 and she said no problem. Then when we got done, she says, your total is $80 and I'm looking at her like huh? What part of $50 did you not understand!? We then met Anne for lunch at On the Border.

That night we went up to Story City to ride the Antique Carousel. It was built in 1913, bought by the city in 1938, retired in 1977, restored in 1980, and reopened in 1982. I hope they continue to take such great care of it because it truly is special. My Grandpa and Grandma Swenson used to take me there when I was little and it's always fun to get to "re-live" your childhood through your children. And that night I think it only cost $0.50 to ride it...cheap entertainment! We also played in the park for a bit and then had to make a stop at the local grocery store to pick up some Kringla...one of these days I am going to learn how to make it myself!

On Saturday, we just hung out at home. Jim and Celeste went and bought our flooring. And that night we went to the Cases for dinner. The kids played outside, helped the neighbor wash his car, and went on countless jeep rides. It's the funniest thing whenever we get together with them because in the beginning Cade and Julia are always best buddies and by the end of the night Julia is worn out and Cade and Lauren, the Energizer bunnies, are still going strong and suddenly they are best buddies. It's so funny to listen to Cade and Lauren's conversations.

The next day we had to take them to the airport...our visits always go by too fast, but we are so thankful that they get to come up as often as they do!