Early Easter in Iowa

This past weekend, we traveled back to Iowa to see grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins.  We also had mini early Easter celebrations and an all around busy good time! 

We headed out on Friday night, in the snow.  It wasn't actually snowing when we left our house, more of a sleet, by the time we got out for supper in Faribault it was WINDY and little pellets hit us as we ran into Jimmy Johns!  We enjoyed a nice sandwich and then back out to face the elements.  A little further south the rain turned into big fat snow flakes and then by the time we got to the Iowa boarder, it was done but still windy.  We pulled into town around 9:30, stopped by Grandma and Grandpa S's house to see them and Kate and make our plan for Saturday.  While we were there, Anna got an Easter pail of goodies!  A book, bubbles, a hat, and more!  Very fun!  A little bit later we headed across town to see Grandma and Grandpa F.  Anna was a little wired from being in the car for so long she was crazy at both grandparent's houses.  She was ready to play!  We finally calmed her down and she was in bed by about 10:30.  She had a busy Saturday ahead of her! 

We got up early Saturday and headed south with Grandma and Grandpa S to visit Grandpa's side of the family.  We hadn't seen many of them since Anna was tiny, so it was fun to catch up and Anna even finally got to meet some of her 2nd cousins.  It was fun! 

Here's a family shot of the whole crew:

 And while we were at it we got a little family picture too!

 We had lunch, chatted, and Anna played hard.  Here she is getting tickled by Uncle James and Daddy!  Auntie Katie was trying to save her!

 Silly boys!

 Anna played so hard, she crashed.  She loved "aunt" Evelyn.  (Evelyn was a wonderful friend to my grandmother, Anna's great-grandmother S.)  She crawled right up into Evelyn's lap and cuddled in and fell asleep.  Evelyn was her best buddy that day; she had cool toys and a singing bird that popped out of it's bird house to sing, and every time it did, Anna JUMPED!

 After the family gathering, some of us headed out and did some shopping and Anna and Daddy headed to see Great-grandpa and Great-grandma H. 

That evening we went back to G & G F's house and relaxed. 

Here's Anna telling Grandpa Clyde about all the excitement of her day!

 After supper, Anna got in her jammies and read Great Grandma Lois a book.

Thankfully, Anna was in bed at a normal time on Saturday night and we were all able to get a good night's sleep. 

Sunday we got up and went to church with G & G S.  Mass was said in honor of my Gram, so it was a special day to be together. 

After Mass we celebrated an early Easter with G & G F.  We took a quick minute when we got back for a little family photo opp! 

A rare picture of just us :) 

 Family photo, Anna checking out the goodies in her basket. 

 She found stickers!  Time to pass them out!

 Checking out her new George Movie!

 Posing with Great G & G. 

 And one more pose with G & G F. 

 Taking Bailey for a walk around the yard.

 Right before lunch, we noticed that there were beautifully colored eggs outside.  The Easter Bunny had found Anna at G & G's house!  So we of course had to find them all!  Anna loved finding the eggs!

 This picture captured an almost disaster!  A few eggs had a rough time being knocked around in the basket and a few met another fate--falling to the ground.  Poor little blue egg. 

After our Easter lunch, we packed up, stopped at DQ for some ice cream and headed back north.  (Thanks for Kate for some great ice cream!)

It was a really fun weekend.  Lots of family and fun. 

This weekend, we are at home for the actual Easter holiday.  We are working on house projects, and hopefully going to be able to enjoy some time outside without any snow! 

Happy Easter Everyone!