McGregor Visit

Since we were already in Iowa, planned to spend some time in McGregor to visit with family. It is always a relaxing time and great to see so many people. We spent most of our time on the river (it is summer after all). Good thing we have such a nice boat to hang out on.

The boys also got to go fishing with Grandma and Grandpa Henkes. Daniel had been talking about fishing for a while now so we made sure to get bait and poles for him.

Josh was the only lucky one this time around.

We also got to spend an evening at my cousin's new rental property, Grumpsters Cabins. We spent the evening roasting marshmallows and making s'mores.

The kids loved it!

Of course, there was swimming. 

And jumping off the boat (for the brave ones).

 The boys even got to try skiing. Daniel tried it last year when we were here and almost had it. I thought for sure this would be his year, but he still wasn't able to get all the way up for very long. Maybe next year. 

Josh even got to try it this year.

And Mom had to show she still has it.

We also picked up a hitch hiker. This goose had been swimming around the boat all afternoon and when we took off to go skiing, he followed us for a while. I didn't even know he was back there.

We made it up to Pikes Peak State Park to look around and take some pictures. It is a beautiful area with gorgeous views. 

Bridal Veil Falls

We also found some of the tornado damage from the tornado that hit the town a week before we came out. 

Breakfast at Grandma and Grandpa's

It's always fun to be back here, especially with my kids.

Adventureland

We ended our visit to Des Moines with a night and day at Adventureland. Grandma and Grandpa took their motorhome to Adventureland campground and hosted the grandkids for a night. 

The next day, we took the trolley over to the park and spent the day at Adventureland. 

It was a full day of fun and lots (and lots and lots) of rides.

Last year, the park removed the Log Ride (an Adventureland staple from when I was growing up) and replaced it with the Monster. Since we went on the Log Ride last summer as a final farewell, we had to take a ride on the Monster (a little unwilling for some). 

This is the Monster. See that hill in the background that is steeper than vertical? That's where it starts. 

And where they take your picture. I only rode it once. 

Of course, Daniel had to ride it twice. I'm not sure where he gets his daredevil side from. It's definitely not me. 

It was a fun day.