A Work and Play Weekend

One thing I love is company!  And we were so excited to host friends of ours from up north here last weekend.  They're not new to Environs- through their parents friendships our kids have chummed around quite a bit.  Since my only camera these days is the smart phone- and that usually sits on the counter at home I was so excited to be sent pictures from our visit to post here. 

There aren't any pictures of the work that was accomplished in their extended weekend stay so I'll just mention that first.  Here are the things I know of-- I'm sure there are things I'm missing that were on the 'guys' list.

-Trimmed Pine Grove

-Processed produce- a batch of marinara

-Worked on refurbishing the cider press

-Put up ceiling fan, and two can lights in the living room (and completed electrical)

-Weed whipped

-Ran to Menard's

-Rearranged master bedroom to accommodate baby's arrival

And now for the FUN!

-Played for numerous hours- toys, playdoh, swimming, scooters, 'mom and dad', flashlights etc.

-Went on a date (just the adults!) to the Potosi Brewery and Red Top

- Cooked and ate like royalty!

We wrapped up their stay with a little touring for the kiddos-

1- Put our feet in the Mississippi!  Visited O'Leary's Landing and Lock and Dam 11.  We saw a dead snake, a dead fish, a heron, a family of ducks and of course, put our toes in the muddy Miss!

JuJu and I at the Lock and Dam

Our friends getting their feet wet!

Climbing rocks to get to the water!

The kids and I- you can almost see our house in this picture!

2- Checked out John Deere though next time we'll have to stop at the construction dealer for some backhoe pictures.  The guide messed up but the kids didn't seem to mind!

 3-Learned a bit about Dubuque's history and the nature of the area.  Made a stop at the Mines of Spain and the newly remodeled Nature Center.  Took a hike on the trails and had a little picnic, too!

Interactive bird calls for local birds!

The Fox tribe were the native settlers of this area.

Finding 'treasure' in a lead mine exhibit!  You had to crawl through a cave to get in here- that was a laugh for me anyway!

Listening to animal sounds- our favorite, the badger.  It kinda sounded like a mutant pig.  Katie thought it was hilarious!

More sounds and JuJu bird watching. 

It was a wonderful weekend!  We're already looking forward to more company in August- are you on our calendar yet?!?!