Iowa Lovin'

I was lucky enough to get to travel back to the States for an extended vacation - I managed to fit in three weddings, two birthday celebrations, our Godson's baptism, and lots of time with friends and family. It's so nice to be a part of family celebrations, and even just be a part of everyday life - like wood chopping and walnut husking (only in Iowa!).

We started off with my cousin Becky Mason's beautiful wedding in Des Moines. Becky married Eric, who is an avid Hawkeye fan, so our family was more than happy to welcome him to the family and help balance out those Iowa State fans. :) The next day we all met up for our obligatory meal at The Machine Shed, and the obligatory myriad of family pictures - we had to get pictures with the newest (and tallest!) member of the Mason clan!

I managed to pop up to Chicago and see my college roommate Debbie, meet her fiancé Joel, and have meet up with my cousin Jill - I'm so happy I was able to see all of them! Joel and Debbie took me to a great Chicago restaurant (which I can't remember the name of), and we made Puppy Chow just like we used to do all the time in college - it was just like old times, I just wish I could've stayed longer! Jill showed me where she works, Greenheart Travel, and told me all about their organization. It sounded so cool, and if you want to study/teach abroad I would definitely recommend checking them out!

We spent the rest of the week in Atlantic, Iowa and got to spend lots of time with my grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. We got to watch my cousin Bailey play a volleyball match with the Audubon Reds high school team, and I have to say it was more entertaining to watch than the Olympic match we went to! It's fun having someone you know to cheer for, and they played so well. We also spent some time at my Uncle Ted's new house, and I got a taste of farm life - chopping wood, husking walnuts, and riding the ATV around the farm. The only thing that wold of made the trip better was if Thomas was there - maybe next time! 

Uncle Rick, Grandma Jan, and Dad

They squeezed in some Iowa decor - I didn't feel the need to take picture of the Iowa State stuff ;)

My beautiful Aunt Diane and handsome Uncle Rick

Me and my cousin Sara

Sara and the beautiful bride!

We checked out the Harley store for Dad's new toy

Me and Mom

The girls!

The Mason cousins: Derek, Victoria, David, Drew, Eric, Becky, Me, Sara, and Mason

The Mason's: Grandma Jan, Rick, Diane, Dan, Toni, Mary, and Tammy

Making Puppy Chow with Debbie

Watching Bailey tear it up in volleyball!

Husking walnuts with Aunt MJ, Mom, and Uncle Ted - Sofie was helping too!