Des Moines Visit

We spent this past weekend in Des Moines visiting family and celebrating the life of my cousin Karli.  Eva, my dad and I headed down on Friday night after Eva's gymnastics so that we had all day Saturday to enjoy.  Saturday morning Eva, myself and Auntie Nancy headed over to Chow's Gymnastics in West Des Moines.  For the non-gymnastics obsessed of you it's the gym where both Olympians Gabby Douglas and Shawn Johnson came from.  We weren't able to take a class, since they fill up well in advance, but we had the chance to watch the high level girls in action for over an hour and it was awesome.  Eva said she plans to move to Des Moines after completing Children's House in Montessori and training at Chow's.... we'll see ;-)

Saturday afternoon we headed over to the Manker's for a huge party.  The party was spent watching the Iowa v. Iowa State football game, which is the game my cousin Karli and her 3 friends were coming back from 5 years ago when they died in a car accident, and then dancing, singing and generally just being buffoons late into the night.  Eva was a champ, making it well past Uncle Tom and dancing until almost midnight.  The boys were hurting a little bit the next morning (while us girls felt peachy keen) but over all it was an amazing day.  Karli is so missed but she was loved that her joy still lives on.

Sunday we had breakfast at an awesome place called Mullet's, then hit the Des Moines sculpture garden and got on the road by noon.  I am so blessed to have such an amazing family.  Now I just have to keep Jason far away from Des Moines or he'll insist on moving there!

Eva and Dylan- besties

That's Chow in the red shirt and black pants- so cool to watch him in action!

Eva and Grandpa, soaking up some Iowa sun

On Chris' 7+ foot tall shoulders!

Most awesome deck ever! Outdoor TV, bar, pergola... da bomb

Dad & Uncle Tom shooting some pool

late night dance party!

finally had enough

Pappajohn sculpture garden- way cool

ruuuuuuuuuuning