I have three younger siblings that live in Pennsylvania - very far away from me!! I get to see them once a year if I'm lucky and when they're still growing - it's too long to wait! They grow so fast! Matthew is 15, Michael is 13 and Lauren is 11. I was 11 when Matthew was born. I held all of them as babies, fed them, dressed them, watched them learn to crawl and walk and swim. Now they're texting and video gaming and practically driving. And they're surpassing me in height, as you can see.
They're my siblings but they're sort of like my kids. When you are 14 years older than your sister, you have a motherly feeling over her instead of a peer relationship! It's a good thing. We never fight! ;)
They came all the way out to Iowa to see me!! It was so awesome to spend a few days with them. It was way too short but I think that no matter how long the visit - I'll always say it's too short. Matthew is the oldest and about to enter High School. I thought it would be cool for him to have a week away from home - hanging out with his big sis and brother in law. He stayed with us when they all drove home and then he flew home five days later.
We went to Arnold's Park which is in the Spirit Lake area - a half hour drive from Estherville. We were greeted with an old car show, which was a fun surprise!
We goofed around in the amusement park area.
Do you believe that this is Iowa? I know - out of character!
Had fun in the "Crazy House"!
Matt loves root beer, a lot. We found a place that serves icy mugs of home made root beer for $1!!! It was amazing - you can't beat it!!!
We gazed respectfully at the statues...
Hello, Model T!
We took him to "The Swinging Bridge" in Estherville.
We made s'mores in our backyard.
We took a mini road trip over to Fort Dodge to show him The Grotto!
We explored Estherville on foot.
We went into the mexican store and got snacks! I bought a lollipop shaped like a roasted turkey. It was awful, as expected, but I just HAD to try.
His flight was out of Minneapolis so we went a few hours early and explored the Mall of America. Not as much fun to be there when you have no money to shop! Boo.
We had an awesome time with him. It was so great to spend quality time together before he starts the next phase of his life - the ever dreaded and beloved... High School!
It was our last "fun thing" of the summer and now it's time to get to work! No more neglected Lilac Saloon :)
