so long overdue

On Sunday night we got back from our very exhausting and wonderful summer vacation - to Ohio to visit Mark's sister, Jane, and then onto Iowa, where we were able to spend a few days with my family. It had been 4 1/2 years since we'd been to Iowa (the last being when my Grandpa Paul died in January, 2003), so we were due a visit.

The boys had a great time... we had a wonderful time in Oberlin with Jane and Peter, and every time I'm with them I'm slightly inspired to want to cook. (Speaking of which, I just read an article that said that couples who enjoy cooking together are some insane percentage happier than couples who don't. Hmmm.) The boys got to see a Cleveland Indians game while we were there with a big fireworks show afterwards.

From there we headed to Iowa and the tiny little town of 7000 or so where I grew up. It is funny how I had no appreciation of how pretty of a town it is when I was a kid and lived there, but it is, I dare say, quite precious. Just adorable and home-towny. We went to all of the 4th of July festivities, and the boys got to see their very first parade. The fireworks were amazing and I swear, I was suddenly transported back to 1982, watching the fireworks on a chilly night under a blanket. The end of the week we spent time with my mom's side of the family... my aunts, uncles, cousins (and their kids.) I've missed a few weddings and a funeral in the last few years because I was always busy with work or being pregnant or just having had a baby or life, and this trip put into perspective how quickly life passes.

Even though this week has been pure hell work-wise, because 11 days without being able to do work or reply to emails or voicemails means that I have 11 days worth of work to catch up on, it was 100% worth it. I'm a southern girl at heart, but it was so great to share with my kids where I grew up, and the family I love so much.

I'll add more pictures soon, when I actually have a minute to peek at them...