Chasing Adventure

The plan was to go stay in Iowa by the kids for a few weeks, but since everything was pushed further back than anticipated, so did that stay. When I inquired with the campground we wanted to stay with up there, they close for non-full-timers October 15th. So, I made the decision to go up there and stay just for a week. I had to see all my Littles!!

The drive through the mountains in October was amazing! The roads were good and the mountains were full of color.

Riley was about 9 months old and full of personality. While I wish I was around him more, he still reaches for me. I stayed with Johnathon and Sarah (thanks kids!) and so I got to spend some quality time with Riley too. Jason came over to see me a few times and I am grateful he made the drive from Cedar Rapids! I had to get this photo since it only happened once for a few moments after Johnathon’s incredible dinner – everyone on their phones and Ares watching TV. LOL

The Iowa Veterans Home (where Johnathon works) was having a trick-or-treat event for the residents, and Riley went as Toothless from How to Train Your Dragon, his favorite movie. He was so cute! He reached for the candy the residents offered and learned to drop it in his bucket. He then wanted to grab it out of his bucket and drop it back in. Haha!

There is a campground about 20 minutes away from Sarah and 35 minutes from Jason that I wanted to check out. Sarah and Riley came with me to go visit, but they didn’t get out of the truck since it was SO COLD OUTSIDE. It was in the teens and windy, a little too chilly for baby. He amused himself sitting in her lap in the front seat while I was given a quick (and cold) tour.

Bathtime is playtime at this age and Sarah does a great job at getting him clean while he plays. Look at that smile!

Riley is at the stage where he is pulling himself up on everything, and learning to stagger/walk behind anything that will move. He didn’t want to be in his walker, but still wanted to walk so he made it moved from outside the seat. Adorable!

More than once, I got to cuddle with a sleeping baby and I was in Nana heaven. He’s a hot little sleeper so the blankets got pushed away rather quickly.

I was also able to give Riley the cross-stitch quilt I made him. It has all the letters with the animal of that letter cross-stitched onto the front. A sweet friend then helped me quilt on the back in a swirling design. It turned out so good! So many hours of work went into this that I hope he (and future siblings) get to enjoy it for many years.

It was a REALLY cold, but great quick trip to see the kids and do nothing but enjoy time together. I love being able to see them, and look forward to them all coming to Florida in May!

~Katie