Weekend Bliss

Okay, maybe it wasn't bliss, but it sure was nice after 10 straight days of stomach flu drama. According to the Bleekers, the weekend started on Wednesday at 2:00. The kids had an early release on Wednesday and didn't have to return to school until Monday. Thursday morning was spent lounging in our p.j.'s until 11 and then reading, playing, and just hanging out. Friday Bryan took the afternoon off and we all went fishing. The original plan was for Amirah, Romee, and myself to hit some of the antique shops in the Spirit Lake/Okoboji area, while the big kids and Bryan fished. I went along to help get the boat in the water and just as I am about to send them off, Bryan says, "just hop in, let's just give it a try.". I am thinking, oh this ought to be great. Much to my surprise, they all did awesome. We were on the lake for 2 1/2 hours without a single whine or cry. There was plenty of noise coming from the boat, but it was simply the noise that 5 kids makes when the are excited about an afternoon of fishing. I did feel a bit sorry for the many boats that surrounded us with little old men trying to have a peaceful afternoon on the lake.
After we cleaned all the fish, we headed over to East Lake Okoboji and found a park and shelter house on the lake. We enjoyed a picnic together and then headed home. It was a perfect day! You can tell by looking at Amirah's shirt that we used chocolate to keep her occupied in the boat.

On Saturday, Bryan and I spent the day in Ames cheering on the Cyclones. Let's just say the game was not the highlight of the day:) Grandma Vic offered to have our kids for the entire day. That allowed us to leave plenty early so that we could enjoy a relaxing dinner at Hickory Park before the game. Hickory Park is our absolute, all-time favorite restaurant. The BBQ ribs and chicken are are amazing. The fries are always the perfect amount of crunchiness. Oh, and the coleslaw, not too creamy, but just creamy enough! It always helps that this is the one sure "date" we have every year.