Finally Cedar Rapids

Thursday April 23- Both of us were up early....ready to see everyone. It was so cold out there we decided to slow down and take our time. I'm still trying to help Jeff out by doing those jobs I'm not used to doing. We don't want any stupid mistakes. It's hard for Jeff to sit and watch. He decided that he wanted to try driving so we had some spots picked out to change drivers if needed. We got on the road about 10:30 and it was a pretty day to drive. It was sunny and not a lot of wind. Jeff said it felt good to be driving again. When we arrived we set up on site number 18, not are usual camp host site but we will move into that one on the 29th. They are all pull thru anyway. Set up was minimal because we will move so soon.

After setting up and getting things arranged inside, we had some lunch and waited for 4:30 to come. We packed up and headed for ice rink to see Ashton's practice. It seemed to take awhile to get there. He was happy to see us but couldn't have been as happy as we were. It wasn't too long before Katie and Hailey showed up too. It was really nice to get all those hugs. We went up in the seats cause its not as cold up there. We aren't used to that. We talked with Hailey and watched Ashton skate. He really is getting good.






















Our second son Justin showed up and we got a hug from him too. After the practice was over we went to Seth and Katie's to give the kids there surprises. Ashton was especially excited about his hermit crabs. Said it was the best surprise ever. Sissy liked her stuff too. We stayed awhile and visited then we needed to get back before it got to dark. We went our usual way but the road was closed. They have a detour but its clear across town. That's gonna be a hassle this summer for sure.

Friday April 24- Both boys took the day off so we decided to meet for breakfast. We met at Perkins and had a nice breakfast. Hailey was there to entertain us. Then we went to Best Buy with Seth and Hailey. They headed home and Jeff and I went to the second hand book store. Got a bunch of good movies for $1.00 each. Then we went over to Justin's. We had to stop at Walmart before heading back. Jeff found a smoker so looks like we will be having some smoked meats. It still is pretty cold out so thought chili would be a good fix for supper. We ended up heading back in to see the kids, we promised Ashton we would see him on Friday after school. So we brought the chili for supper. It rained most of the day. After we got home Carl stopped by for a visit. He is the park ranger.






















Saturday April 25- It was a cold rainy day, we decided to stay in today. Justin has a show tonight and we planned on going so thought we would just rest up. It rained most of the day. It stopped for a bit and we got a walk in. I decided to make sugar cookies because I had promised to the kids and Seth loves them. The blackhawks played tonight, we headed into Shueyville to Shuey's to watch the game before the show. Well we watched part of it before and some of it during. We didn't stay to long, we watched about an hour of the show. Had to listen to the end of the game on the ride home......Blackhawks win!!!!


Sunday April 26- Another really cool morning but today we have sunshine. We got dressed for church. After went to lunch at Pancheros......Jeff researched and found something he could eat. After we went to Seth and Katie's. Ashton was already on the run with his friend so Sissy helped me frost cookies.






















After we finished the frosting thought we would celebrate with a trip to Orange Leaf for some frozen yogurt. Ashton declined so it was just us and Sis. We picked our flavors and toppings then set down to enjoy.

We dropped Hailey off at home and headed over to see Molly, Justin's girlfriend, she's been out of town all weekend. Visited for awhile then came home to walk the dogs. It was a good Sunday.


Monday April 27- Today we had planned on getting something's done. First we called the vet about Soffee, she's been having some issues thought it best to check it out. Well the vet looked at her and said it might not just be infection could be a tumor....gave us 2 different medications. Boy I hope these work. That could be tragic. When we got back we picked up the stuff we had stored at the shop here. Jeff wanted to transplant his tomato plant. It's starting to look a bit sick. I cleaned up inside. Jeff also put together his new smoker. Then he got the bugs off the front of the rig. I started cutting up vegetables for stir fry tonight. It was yummy. Also had to wish my best friend a BIG Happy Birthday today.


Tuesday April 28- Jeff wanted to run to the store to get a turkey breast, so he could try out his new smoker. I gave Belle a haircut then gave both doggy's a bath. I think Soffee's feeling better. She just seems more spunky. We walked them around the campground. Jeff worked some more on the front cap, waxing it. We had our supper a bit late but the turkey breast definitely tasted smokey.


Wednesday April 29- I got up and headed out for my walk, I saw that our host site was empty so I skipped the walk and we started packing up to make the move. It wasn't far just to site 27. We moved in and begin to set up. This time we unloaded lots more. Setting up Fort Marlin. We took the kayaks off the truck and the racks. We got out the rugs, chairs, tables and the grill. Jeff set up the sewer and water lines. Time was going fast and we needed to be on the road to Keokuk by noon. I had to go back to redo a test......been worrying about that but it was for nothing. I passed. On the way home we stopped by to pick up Hailey, her daycare is closed tomorrow. The roads in Cedar Rapids are crazy. They are working almost on every major road. Its a mess. When we got to Seth's Hailey was sitting on the porch waiting for us. We got home had supper and then took a walk. Sissy saw some ducks, that was kind of exciting.






















Thursday April 30- We had a busy day today for sure. Hailey woke up early and wanted pancakes so papa got busy with that. It was still a little cool out so Jeff played memory with Sis. She's really good.

After it warmed up and we took a few walks around the loop we had lunch. Then Hailey and I decided to take a walk down by the lake. Thought we might find some ducks to feed. We brought some bread and away we went. Found a dock that was close to some floating ducks. We tossed some bread and the mama duck came over to investigate. Sissy had a blast. So did I.

After running out of bread we made our way back to the camper. It's Thursday so that means hockey practice. That's were we headed next. Its really fun to watch him do all the drills. He definitely has improved since last year.

After practice was over we went to Justin's. He has a guitar for Jeff and he's going to teach him how to play. I visited with Molly while the lesson was going on. Tomorrow we start our hosting job.