Relaxing, Fun Weekend

We just returned from a wonderful weekend filled with fun, friends, and much needed relaxation! Our great friends, Shaun and Lisa, live in Minneapolis and we met in the middle at Ames, Iowa. We didn't do a whole lot, except a whole lot of hanging out and drinking wine, but who really needs more?

On Saturday, we did venture to Des Moines for a morning Mass at St. John's Basilica and spent a couple hours at the Living History Farm where they were having their Holiday Festival. LHF is a recreation of the town of Walnut Hill from 1875.

They had simple, old-fashioned crafts for the kids. John Paul put together a sachet with rose potpourri.
And glued a cute Christmas ornament from felt.
Lisa and Theresa enjoyed making an ornament too.
And a visit from Santa, himself. The boys look thrilled, huh?
Then we took a horse-drawn wagon ride into the "town."
Our family, with the snowy town of Walnut Hill in the background.
And Shaun, Lisa, and Baby Theresa!
John Paul also loved looking for snow rocks and making dinosaur tracks in the snow.
Let's just say that Matt and Ethan were having a good time too.
We also visited the original, restored house as well. The boys liked checking out the toys too.
Giddy-up!
After all of that, we went back to the hotel for some swimming. It was nice that they had this little kiddy pool with some fun fountains. Just wish the water was a little bit warmer!