Auntie Jaimie came to Town!

A few months ago, I was talking to my little sister and I suggested that she get out of town for a little while and come visit us here in Iowa. Well, we finally made it happen! When we drove down to South Carolina, we decided that it would be easiest if Jaimie drove back with us and then flew home after the week long visit. I wanted to make her visit extra special, so we planned things to see and things to do almost each day.

Since we drove back home on Sunday, we spent most of Monday grocery shopping, cleaning, and relaxing. A 16 hour drive is long and tiring. We got up early and we got back late. It's nice to take a day to just relax and get ready for the week. Tuesday, however, we started out the day with Heartland Farms and strawberry picking! I had never been to Heartland, but have been wanting to go. It was a quick 20 minute drive to the farm. This place is owned and operated by a family and it's adorable! Rows and rows of strawberries, farm animals, farm birds, flowers, and a big giant air bubble to jump on. We had so much fun! We also went to the pool Tuesday after naps!

Wednesday we went to the brand new John Deere museum. The museum opened up at the end of May. Brad had been during one of the early, trial tours but I hadn't had the chance to go yet! Since my dad's side of the family has a farming background, we thought it would be fun to visit the museum. We kept thinking the whole time, "Man, dad would love this!" I can't wait till they visit so that he can see it! They did such a great job with the museum in Waterloo. It was so interactive and kid friendly, but had a lot of great tractor and US history in it! We loved it!

On Thursday, Beth and I had planned a play date with Cal and Dayton while she was in town working. These kiddos are so cute! Jaimie and I had a full day of littles. At first, Cal and Dayton did not play the best with each other. Dayton is walking so he would take Cal's toys, bop him on the head, and just walk away. At first I got a little frustrated with Dayton, but then I quickly remembered that I have to teach him how to share...for the next 15 years, ha! Duh Kristen, he's a toddler!! After about 20 minutes of reminding him how to share and saying the word "gentle" approximately 200 times, they finally started playing together without much mishap. It. was. adorable. I love these to boys so much!!

Friday was Jaimie's lst full day with us. We decided to go to the Phelp's Children's Museum. I had never been and it seemed like it would be fun! Dayton was a little young for the Phelp's museum, but he still had a good time. This place will be great for rainy days! They had different sections of the museum that included music (which we stayed in the majority of the time), science, a garden and farm, a stage and theater dress up clothes, a large multicultural village that showed different countries and their houses, and a super hero/mask exploration area. It was fun! We played with everything, looked like fools (Jaimie and I), laughed, and explored!

On Saturday, we were up early to get ready and drive Jaimie to the airport in Des Moines. We got there early, so we had lunch at Whole Foods (a must in my book) and then said our goodbyes. I'm so glad that my lil' sis could come out and visit!!