Normal Speed

For those of you that get to live life in normal speed, I envy you.  One hundred percent, green with jealousy, want-to-be-you ENVY.  My life does not move at a normal pace.  In fact, right now, I feel it is moving at break neck speed.  No slowing down.  Jump on the train.  Here's a list of some things that have happened since I last posted.  1 - Halloween.  2 - Evan's elf costume took 2nd place at the costume contest.  3 - We listed our house for sale (yes!  I cannot believe it either). 

So, backing up to Iowa.  We had a wonderful time!  We stayed from Thurs to Tues and got to do everything that we had hoped to do.  When we plan a trip to Iowa it is based on seeing Steve's brother and his family, a Hawkeye game, and lots of delicious food.  Who would have thought Iowa would be the place to go to find the best Cheese Calzone I have ever eaten?  My mouth is watering just thinking of it.  Or what about the Ponchero's burritos?  And this trip, knowing that Evan is on a "noodle and butter" kick, (heaven help me!), Kathi suggested Noodle & Co which adds another Iowa food staple to our ever growing list! 

We arrived on Thurs, and checked into the hotel.  We stayed at the AmericInn.  (I know - awesome name!)They were in the process of renovating, so maybe next time it will be better, but this time, we got the not-so-star treatment.  We were tired from a long day of travel.  Evan did excellent on both flights - Seattle to Denver and then Denver to Des Moines - and then slept all the way in the car from Des Moines to Iowa City.  We got to the hotel, checked in, went to our room, and... it was dirty.  Yep.  I went downstairs to the front desk and told them it was dirty.  The tired, young, frazzled kid up front said he would accompany me to another room to make sure the new one was "up to my standards."  Um, no sir.  I don't think you understood.  I am not being picky (too tired to be picky).  The room has simply not been cleaned from the previous guests.  The beds are not made, there are dirty towells on the floor, etc.  The poor kid was so embarrassed and rushed us to another room.   After that, things seemed ok.  The continental breakfast had waffles (always a favorite of mine!), fruit loops and blueberry muffins and the pool could be seen from a window above on the second floor which was the highlight of Evan's trip.  Actually, the Coralville Water Tower (also visible from the window) might have been the highlight, but either way, Evan LOVED it there. 

For the next couple of days we drove around, saw family, saw friends, ate, ate, and ate.  We got to see Pete and Anne's new house (again with my jealousy!), the Hawkeyes won the game, Kathi was able to get Evan to sleep at a decent time so Steve and I were able to join his friends for Calzones after the game, we stocked up on Iowa gear for my family and Jen's family, I bought my favorite new boots, the weather was perfectly fall-esque, and Evan loved the cars that Grandma gave him on the plane ride back - in fact, he has slept with the little yellow and white match box cars practically every night since we got home.  It was a wonderful trip. 

Seeing the Big 10 Trophy (I love Steve's excited face!)

Iowa City Library with Hannah

Ped Mall

Evan with Steve's friend, Jonas

Evan's first Iowa Tailgate

All the Boys!

He's a Natural!

Go Hawks!

On his way to see the Water Tower

Ice Cream after a long day!

I used to wonder how Steve could be so obsessed with Iowa City.  Not much to it.  It is very small.  Very quaint.  Very fun.  I have done a complete 180 and cannot wait for our next trip back!  (Thanks again Bob and Kathi for everything).

I will finish this post with Halloween, my proudest moment of 2nd place costume winning, and the house listing later.  Right now, I have to go and let the realtors in for the open house that starts in 19 min.