Iowa weekend

This past weekend we loaded up and headed to Iowa to visit some of our very best friends!  Jon & Joshua lived together in college and we just dont see Jon, Katie and their 3 beautiful children enough! 

 

yes, all this for one weekend.  I am an over packer at heart, much to my husbands dismay....

girlfriend fell asleep about 20 minutes in and slept for about 2.5 hours!  Who knew I just have to drive around all day to get her to nap?

We're here!  Harper, Kal, Hallie & Bowen in the back! 

crazy girls

We enjoyed our first night out by the fire, it was the perfect night! 

Katie & I

they are the best!!

the boys reminiscing the college days :)

 On Saturday it was HOT so by 10 am we were outside in the pool! 

 

 We had to doubletime with the sprinkler too :)

 3 bff's.  These girls are crazy and oh so adorable!  Will be bff's like their parents!!

 She is a pistol.  Cannot turn my back for a second.

 Saturday evening we went to El Mariachi, our most favorite Mexican Dive that has become one of our most favorite traditions!  So good.  I dont even want to think about how many calories I consumed. 

 Harper and Kal scoping out the ice cream at the ice cream shop. 

 Then they were chatting and so excited - smart girls ;)

 

 

We had the most wonderful time and are so grateful for such amazing friends.  We love you all so much and cant wait for our next {already planned, wahoo!} get together!!!!

That time my new iphone went to Hawaii....without me

If you follow me on twitter, then I am sure you heard all about me losing my iphone on our way home from vacation.  You know, the iphone that was 2 weeks old and the one I took ALL of our vacation pictures with.  Every single one.  From our time by uncle dean & aunt wendy's pool, the santa barbara zoo, when we were at the beach(es), and every single other second of vacation.  Awesome huh?  I was in a state of depression from when I learned of my ahem, misplacing, of my phone.  I mean, obviously I was bummed (WAY bummed) about my new phone, but it was the pictures.  All the pictures, that had me so upset.

I cried. more than twice once.  Call me dramatic, really you can.  I knew I was being dramatic.  I know it is just a material item.  I knew I would have a few pictures that my husband took, even though they didnt pale to my 500+ pictures.  But I was so looking forward to updating our pictures around the house, and just so many great memories from our vacation.

I was convinced that I was not getting the phone back.  I mean, these days, who is going to turn in a brand new iphone?  I called the LAX, DFW and American Airlines lost & found lines like every 30 minutes on Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.

And then I got an email.  One that I almost deleted because I thought it might be spam...

I am really not the superstitious type.   But I was not going to let anything 'hinder' the fact that I might get that phone back.  So Although I had this written about 2 weeks or so ago, I wasnt going to post until I got my phone. And you know what?  I got it back!!!  Such a gem guy found it, looked up my email and contacted me.  We corresponded about the email and my address and upon my many requests to reimburse and provide a 'finder's fee', Mr Gem of a guy requested I donate the money.  You guys, my faith was seriously restored that there are still good people in this world.  Trust me, I realize I am SO so blessed.  I had so many family and friends praying when I had totally lost hope.  So grateful. 

There have been a few hiccups and issues once I got it back, but I am pretty much in business now so no complaints here!  Like I said, I am so blessed & relieved!!!  Although....I will not even mention the fact that my phone has been in Hawaii...and I have not. 

Happy Tuesday :)