Labor Day Weekend Fun!

Wow, where has the summer gone? Well, it was a HOT one this year but it is ending nicely. Henry and I went to Papaw-Nana's pequeno house for the long weekend with the Swayne's. Joe stayed home to get some things done and to be around if my parents needed help. The Thursday before Labor Day, Papaw had surgery on his right Achilles Tendon. Once inside the Drs. found it to be way worse than they originally thought. It was completely shredded and required a 10" repair rather than a 4" one. Ouch! He now has a longer time on crutches (12 weeks) and with a cast before he can start rehab.

First thing, Saturday morning we went into town to have some breakfast.

The boys all got pancakes as big as their plates and they all ate the entire thing! They ate at least one of their sausage patties too.

This is the only picture I got of Jennie this weekend. I'm not in any pictures...oops! Mary was quite the charmer especially amongst all these boys.

After breakfast we stopped at a local apple orchard but we couldn't pick any apples since it was too early in the season. Like most apple orchards they lost a lot of apples due to the late freeze in April.

We could still buy some apples and other goodies though.

Henry enjoyed eating his first WHOLE apple.

When we returned to the cabin he had almost eaten the entire apple, core and all.

Next up, playing on the beach. Thanks to the neighbors for bringing in some sand for real beach fun. 

Speaking of beach...we had A LOT of beach to explore since the river was so low... I forgot to take a picture to show just how much beach we had.

Jennie took this one of her boys: Zack (9), George (6) & Andy (4) that shows a lot of beach.

After playing on the beach, the real fun began...

Riding in a purple jeep or 4 runner. Henry, Maelyn and George,ahhhhhh!

Andy's turn to drive.

Wow, what fun for two little boys, eating fruit snacks and cruising around!

Later, Uncle Joe took over Papaw's joy of giving tractor rides.

Henry and Andy were first to ride.

Ahaaaa, look what the neighbors eagerly gave away...

These boxes entertained them for almost an hour.

First, they took turns being rolled in it. Then it became a slide.

Later, Henry and Andy continued to enjoy each others company.

Henry also enjoyed playing with Mary (almost 11 months).

Henry found the stash of cars, cousin Andy brought in his backpack.

Andy also had tractors and tools in his backpack...it was pretty heavy.

Boys, being boys...hoarding cars and trucks.

Woohoo, it's time to go to Iowa's Largest Pork Roast...mmmm....Good!

This year we let the boys eat from the sandwich line first, then they played games and...

Don't blink...right when the video starts Henry goes flying by.

The boys got lucky, being the only ones in the jumpy house together, such fun for all.

Finally, it was time for us adults to eat yummy pork. Mmm, so good. The german potato salad is another favorite at the pork roast and picking out your dessert from the wide variety of home made baked goods too.

Most of us, (ok only the adults) were looking forward to resting after the pork roast adventure.

Many of us took good naps, though. Ahh, R&R is so wonderful.

Henry was really into the legos throughout the weekend.

We brought these home so he and Papaw can build with them together while Papaw is recovering.

Another tractor ride for all the boys! Zack did all the driving this time.

 

Time to clean up. Henry and Andy were literally fighting over who was going to vacuum.

We all had a great time but it was weird being there without Papaw-Nana.

We missed going for boat rides and having Papaw-Nana read books so animated. Get well soon, Papaw!

PS. Stacker Marshmellows are AWESOME for s'mores!

Look for them next time you go to a campfire.