Fall Visit

This weekend Lucy and I went to visit Mom and Dad in Storm Lake. We had seen them a fair amount over the summer, but hadn't been to SL since Easter, so it was about time for a trip.

We got in around 7PM Friday night, and Lucy promptly claimed Grandpa for playtime downstairs. I caught up with Mom, and then later stayed up too late catching up with Dad...some much needed conversation with my parents!

Saturday was a busy day once we got going. Later in the morning, we headed over to Justin's because he has kittens! He recently rescued a stray cat and a couple days later, realized she was pregnant. Now he's got two cute, stripey kitties he's going to have to give away (he swears he'll be able to do it...he already has 3 cats and a dog). We all enjoyed seeing them, and Lucy got to hold one with Grandma's help.

After Justin's house, we headed to my aunt and uncle's apple orchard near Akron, SD (three states in three days, WHEW!) I had never been there before, and it was high time for a visit. It was a little chilly, but we had a good time picking and tasting apples, having a hayride, and seeing the whole operation. They've got a great little spot!

After the orchard, we made a slight detour to my brother Jason's house to visit. We got to eat supper with them and the kids played in the backyard. Lucy really enjoyed the 4-wheeler ride from her cousin D. He was feeling pretty studly himself, I think!

Sunday we went to church and got to have Mom's lasagna for Justin's birthday lunch (or is it dinner? - inside joke). Lucy was convinced she did not like the "bazagna," but after explaining it is pasta, sauce, meat, and cheese, she discovered it was OK after all. She's eaten it before, but is just going through a picky phase, I guess. Anything that isn't a peanut butter sandwich is subject to suspicion these days.

Lucy fell asleep within 15 minutes of getting in the car to head home, and I had a nice quiet couple of hours driving before she woke up and we sang our hearts out to "Popular" from the Wicked soundtrack over and over again. The whole weekend was a much-needed break from everyday rigors, and Lucy got some great one-on-one time with her grandparents (and me with my parents). Quality time with two of my brothers was the cherry on top. Always a treat to go "home."