Chily Expeditions: 2013-02-17

Goodness! Where did the time go? (rhetorical question). Okay, this has got to be the longest period of time between blog entries since starting this thing. I would like to say that I almost gave up on this thing as I didn't think I could get caught up adequately. However, as I was looking back at older entries, I realized how much I enjoyed reading them. This appears to be more of a journal for Kirk and I ( I do all the journaling) with the hopes that our family and friends also find some fun and/or joy in reading it. I will do my best to relay what has transpired in the past 6 months without leaving out too many details. At least adding the highlights of what we really want to look back on when it's all said and done.

Mom's house
About one month before leaving Iowa, we moved to the Union Grove Campground (from the Outback Campground in Toledo) closer to Kirk's mom in Gladbrook. He was able to spend a lot more time with her before we left, and help her with things around the house. I know she appreciated it, and I hope she realizes how much he truly enjoyed being able to do those things. Kirk loves his mother! We did have a nice cookout at her house. Kirk grilled Iowa chops, and made his yummy jalepeno poppers (which were almost too hot as we used Julie and Mike's "way too hot" jalepenos). I will digress here and say that I cleaned those peppers and froze them. My hands were numb and tingling for 2 days. While at Union Grove, there were many workers staying there in their campers. They were contracted with the company putting in the huge power windmills. Those things are amazing!

Kirk and his mother, Mavis (i love her name) in her backyard.

Can it get any better than this? (another rhetorical question)!!

Elena and Jim's visit
Also, while at Union Grove Campground, Elena and Jim (sister and brother-in-law) spent a night in the cabin while visiting their daughter, Jodi and her family in Marshalltown. If you are interested in a cabin on the lake, this has got to be one of the most "coolest" cabins with a view that we have seen so far in our travels. Also, one of the most reasonably priced. We had a great time visiting with Jim and Elena, cooking out, and enjoying the campfire. As usual our time together was too short. I really do miss my sister! and you too Jim.

Having a good time with Jim and Elena.

Nice campfire....think I even got to use the poker Dan and Amy gave me. :)

Our site at Union Grove Campground near Gladbrook, Iowa.

Ben and Nicki's
Now on to the Marsh. We spent our last weekend in the midwest visiting with Ben and Nicki and the babies, Isaac and Bella. Kristy, Robyn, and Ady also came out to the Marsh from the Cities for the weekend. Harvest was just beginning and we were excited to see that part of the Marsh. We didn't actually see the harvest, but did get to see the preparation for it. It's a amazing process and more work than I ever imagined. Makes one enjoy their cranberries just a little bit more. Ben drove us around the bogs and explained what they would be doing during harvest. We spent "quality" tech time together and just enjoyed being together and playing with the grandbabies.

Gorgeous cranberries....ready for harvest!

Ady getting in target practice while at the Marsh.

Even the little one's have devices...and know how to use them. "quality time".

Ady, Robyn, and Isaac tooling around on the Marsh.

One last visit with Mason on our way South
Kirk and I said our good-byes to all in the midwest and headed south. However, we couldn't just drive by Des Moines, and being so close to Granger, without stopping and saying one last good-bye to that new grandbaby, Mason, and, of course his mother, Lindsey. Dad, Nate was working so we missed him. Mason had already made some gains on the growth chart in the short time since we had seen him last. I think Grandpa Kirk is just slightly attached to this little one. And Mason seems to recognize him with all his smiles. It won't be long and we'll be back, and little Mason will be close to walking by then.