My family had been discussing family vacation possibilities since earlier in the year. Our time frame was limited with everyone's schedules, so a more "last minute" option was a more natural choice. My side of the family keeps growing and it is getting harder and harder to plan time together. Earlier in May, my sister-in-law found a place available over this holiday weekend at West Lake Okoboji in Arnolds Park, Iowa. So, my parents reserved a 3-bedroom lake house that was perfect for our whole family at Fillenwarth Beach. I would highly recommend staying there!
At 5:00 p.m. Friday I (and my husband) rushed home from work, rounded up kids, threw our stuff together, strategically packed the van (no, we didn't stay 3 weeks, just 3 days) and were on the road by 6:30 p.m. Whew! Packing for 3 kids, including a baby and yourself plus food for 3 meals for 13 people is no easy task!!!! I think packing for a baby alone is like packing half the house.
Four hours later, we arrived and were met by gorgeous weather along with Dad, Mom, my two brothers and sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece and brother's girlfriend. We were exhausted just from the planning and packing for our "relaxing" family vaca. It has been a learning experience for the hubs and me. We have already discussed the organization errors, things we would change and smarter options for any future vacations. =) You live and learn, right?! Don't get me wrong - we had a wonderful time! The kids loved their time away as well, and I'm sure they will talk about it for months. Just wish we could have stayed another day or two! Sunday was pretty cool and cloudy, but Saturday was hot and sunny - perfect for a day on the water.
Two different routes got us there and back in the same amount of time. On the drive back home yesterday we needed stop for a potty break. Being in the middle of Iowa on a 2-lane road, our options were limited with towns too small to even have a gas station. Little A was not too keen on the idea of pottying in the grass as she replied with a giggle, "We don't potty in the grass!" Finally we came upon Pisgah, Iowa. If you're like me and have never heard of this town, I will brief you all. Near the end of town, we found a convenience shop that came in the form of a bar/grocer/filling stating. With the antique pumps and "local checks only" sign adhered to the pump, I wasn't too sure they even accepted credit cards. With Little A in tow, I asked for a restroom and was directed to the back of the bar where we found doors for "Bucks" and "Does." Every local's head turned in our direction as we searched for the restroom, and the townsfolk had this awkward southern drawl. Weird considering we were in central Iowa... Complete with a blue sink that fascinated my 2-year old, the restroom actually exceeded my expectations having a flushable toilet.
At 5:00 p.m. Friday I (and my husband) rushed home from work, rounded up kids, threw our stuff together, strategically packed the van (no, we didn't stay 3 weeks, just 3 days) and were on the road by 6:30 p.m. Whew! Packing for 3 kids, including a baby and yourself plus food for 3 meals for 13 people is no easy task!!!! I think packing for a baby alone is like packing half the house.
Four hours later, we arrived and were met by gorgeous weather along with Dad, Mom, my two brothers and sister, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece and brother's girlfriend. We were exhausted just from the planning and packing for our "relaxing" family vaca. It has been a learning experience for the hubs and me. We have already discussed the organization errors, things we would change and smarter options for any future vacations. =) You live and learn, right?! Don't get me wrong - we had a wonderful time! The kids loved their time away as well, and I'm sure they will talk about it for months. Just wish we could have stayed another day or two! Sunday was pretty cool and cloudy, but Saturday was hot and sunny - perfect for a day on the water.
Two different routes got us there and back in the same amount of time. On the drive back home yesterday we needed stop for a potty break. Being in the middle of Iowa on a 2-lane road, our options were limited with towns too small to even have a gas station. Little A was not too keen on the idea of pottying in the grass as she replied with a giggle, "We don't potty in the grass!" Finally we came upon Pisgah, Iowa. If you're like me and have never heard of this town, I will brief you all. Near the end of town, we found a convenience shop that came in the form of a bar/grocer/filling stating. With the antique pumps and "local checks only" sign adhered to the pump, I wasn't too sure they even accepted credit cards. With Little A in tow, I asked for a restroom and was directed to the back of the bar where we found doors for "Bucks" and "Does." Every local's head turned in our direction as we searched for the restroom, and the townsfolk had this awkward southern drawl. Weird considering we were in central Iowa... Complete with a blue sink that fascinated my 2-year old, the restroom actually exceeded my expectations having a flushable toilet.
P.S. In case you're wondering, my husband asked if they accepted Discover Card; and the woman replied, "As long as it's Visa or Mastercard." No further comments were exchanged as he pulled $40 cash from his wallet.
A was less than cooperative for some of the pictures as you will notice...
A was less than cooperative for some of the pictures as you will notice...
Jess's Family:
Me, E, A, A, Hubs, Mom, "Little" Bro, Dad, Bro-in-law, Sister, Bro, Niece & Sis-in-law
E ready for the day dressed in her "Fun at the Beach" attire
Swimming with Daddy!
A&A at the pool
We had the pleasure of doing a Million Dollar Home tour, sans children, aboard a speed boat on the choppy, windy lake - what a wild ride!
This is one house on the tour: the largest house in the state of Iowa, 17,000 square feet, worth $10 million
We returned from the tour to this scene. Papa babysat the girls for a hour and got them to nap - don't they all look suspiciously drugged?!?
Photo taken off of our dock Sunday at dusk shortly after the clouds had cleared
Before departing, Nana got this photo of the Raasch Five
(it was about nap time for a couple of us)
What a perfect place to spend the long holiday weekend! It looks like you had a blast!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful family photo!
ReplyDeleteWe've never been there, looks like a great place to vaca! I hear ya on the work it takes just to go and relax...it takes forever to pack (and the un-packing and laundry is twice as fun)...but it's totally worth it! Sweet pic of the family!
ReplyDelete