An Iowa Pride: Quick Trip to Iowa

Sam, Jamie and I spent the last few days in Iowa visiting family. It was great to get to spend some relaxing time at home and I loved getting to show Sam off! My parents picked the three of us up at the Omaha airport early Friday morning. We traveled back to Des Moines for some time at the mall first... not a surprise for the Sogards. It was a successful trip to good old Valley West and we all made out with some great new spring duds. We were able to relax that night at home in Newton before getting in the car again right away Saturday morning. We dropped my mom off at a bridal shower in Eldora and the four of us headed to Hampton to see my grandpa. He and Sam hadn't met yet so it was wonderful to get to introduce them. Sam loved to study his great grandpa and was full of smiles and we were able to get some priceless pictures. Grandpa is at a care center instead of his assisted living apartment for now and they are pretty sure he needs to stay there for the near future anyways. He was strong and with-it during most of our visit but by the end you could tell that the couple of hours with us had worn him out physically and mentally. We said our goodbyes for now and loaded poor Sam back into his carseat for the drive back to Eldora. We were able to see several family friends, had a great lunch with our favorites the Appels, and then stopped by the Stickrods to see Jill and Spencer and meet their new little Chloe. She and Sam are 4ish months apart and it was great to get to visit with them. It's amazing to remember how quickly they grow and to think back to the sweet days not too long ago when our little one was that small and had a tiny little newborn cry too. He looked pretty giant laying next to her! Spencer and Jill are great. Saturday night we did a little baking and enjoyed more time lounging around home. Sunday Bryan's mom and sister, dad and Peg came to Newton for some Sam time and lunch. We spent the morning and afternoon together loving Sam and catching up. He behaved and showed them a few of his tricks! It was great that they were willing to come to us so we could have a day out of the car. We ended the day with a walk outside and a few good games of pretty poor ping pong... I think my dad was pretty embarrassed that I couldn't keep track of the score to save my life and Jamie couldn't hit the ball on the table to save hers! We were quite the pair. : ) Today we made a quick stop at Jordan Creek and I was able to steal a few minutes with my good friend Jen and her little girl Anna. Miss Anna and Sam are 6 weeks apart and Jen and I have loved sharing the joys and trials of motherhood! We made the trip back to Omaha and arrived safely in Denver this afternoon. We crammed a lot into a few days but it was a really nice and relaxing trip. Sam did wonderfully in the car and on the plane. Mom and Dad spoil us with good food, good conversation, laughter and love--- it's a hard place to leave. Bryan did well here without Sam and I but was ready and waiting for our return! Sam loved rocking with his dad tonight and fell quickly to sleep back in those familiar strong arms. It felt great to put our little guy to bed tonight in his own crib and I am anxious to crawl into our bed too! We are very thankful for the past few days. It was wonderful to get home. Thanks for letting me share a few pictures...

Grandma and Sam playing-