Des Moines!

Michelle and I braved a 5-6 hour car ride with Noah, Sam, and Evie on Thursday afternoon to go visit our friends the Richmonds in Des Moines, Iowa. Of course the babies didn't cooperate with the "nap for 2-3 hours" plan. It was a bit of a hairy car ride highlighted by a near catastrophic Noah-Mommy meltdown at McDonald's in Coralville, Iowa. But we made it out there and had a blast! Noah immediately started hanging out with Ayla, who is also three, on Friday morning.

Kyndal joined in the fun with the big kids. She's two and despite her small stature has VERY strong ideas about who should be doing what, babies or big kids!
Kyndal spent some time trying to style Sam's hair. He didn't cooperate a whole lot.
Hold still baby!
On Friday we went to the local wading pool/sprinkler pad. It was awesome. Don't the girls look like future leaders of america in their goggles?
There were two trips out for ice cream, at Ayla's recommendation. Good call Ayla!
Only the big kids made it out for ice cream on Friday night, the babies were too cashed to make it. But everyone went out for ice cream again on Saturday night.
On Saturday we hit the Ankeny Summerfest parade. It worked out fabulously as we arrived at the very end of the route just as it got underway. Being at the end meant feast or famine with candy as people were either out of it or had so much they just dumped it in front of us.
"Mom, when do I get to have some candy?"
Noah and Ayla patiently waiting for some candy...
Kyndal joined curbside, I think all the kids' cuteness helped them get oodles of candy!
Noah got a whole bunch of necklaces towards the end of the parade, he kept saying "I'm a king!"
Back at the house, Evie figured out how to put together some steps to officially start walking! Ayla was more than willing to help her out.
And Sam enjoyed all of Aunt Andrea and Big Uncle Nic's cooking! We had an awesome time! The trip home yesterday was much better! We miss our friends so much, but it was good to come home to Daddy and our own beds. The boys both slept way more last night than they have in awhile. Enjoying all our summer trips and visits! More to come soon!