Spent last weekend in the ancestral hometown in Iowa. I say ancestral because that side of the family has lived there practically since Iowa became a state. A mighty long time indeed. I always love being in Iowa, and this year I had a fantastic reason for a visit, as it was my Gram's 90th birthday. Mom and Dad drove out from Oregon, and I flew in to Cedar Rapids, and they picked me up along the way. Even though I haven't lived there in many years, being in Iowa is awesome. The countryside with the rolling hills and the farms is absolutely beautiful. Plus, Gram is still there, and going to Maquoketa always feels like I'm going home. And having my Aunt and Uncle there, and being able to get together with my cousins and my high school besties makes it extra special.
This time around we spent the days visiting, talking family history, and having lots of Iowa comfort food. My three cousins were all there, and we had a fun little surprise party to celebrate Gram's birthday. Here's Gram. Isn't she cute? Finally, someone who looks good in my hat.
We also took a Sunday drive over to Bellevue to visit the dam and watch the barges go through the locks. While we were there, we got some ice cream, and visited Bellevue State Park, which I highly recommend. It's beautiful, and has a fabulous view of the river. Sadly, I forgot to get a picture, but here's one I swiped from Iowa Byways, to give you an idea.
My friends Amie, Jill, and Kim also made time to get together with me for dinner at a fun place called The Brick Tap, where we had awesome burgers and visited and laughed for several hours. It's always so good to see them, and we can talk and visit like we did when we were teenagers.
It was a fantastic weekend and I can't wait to go back!
This time around we spent the days visiting, talking family history, and having lots of Iowa comfort food. My three cousins were all there, and we had a fun little surprise party to celebrate Gram's birthday. Here's Gram. Isn't she cute? Finally, someone who looks good in my hat.
Here's some family photos...
We also took a Sunday drive over to Bellevue to visit the dam and watch the barges go through the locks. While we were there, we got some ice cream, and visited Bellevue State Park, which I highly recommend. It's beautiful, and has a fabulous view of the river. Sadly, I forgot to get a picture, but here's one I swiped from Iowa Byways, to give you an idea.
My friends Amie, Jill, and Kim also made time to get together with me for dinner at a fun place called The Brick Tap, where we had awesome burgers and visited and laughed for several hours. It's always so good to see them, and we can talk and visit like we did when we were teenagers.
It was a fantastic weekend and I can't wait to go back!
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