Hello, everyone! We visited my home town of Cedar Falls, Iowa, August 17-23. My sister, Angie, came too. It was Ariel’s first plane ride. She did quite well on the way there, but we struggled a bit entertaining her on the way back since she stayed awake almost the whole time minus two twenty minute naps.
It was great seeing everyone! We did a little shopping & four-wheeling, but mostly spent time catching up with family.
David won Ariel a little toy on the second try from one of those fifty-cent “claw” machines. We were pretty proud!
David looking cool on the four-wheeler!
James catching some major air on a jump!
Me, Ang, Jackie & James with Ariel
James & his football team cut their shirts this way, so he made David one too, and we had to get a photo of it! Looks like he might need another size!
Hanging out at the Sands household….
Dad cooking banana cream pies—yum!
Aunt Julie, our cousin Tina, & Ang
Adorable Ariel relaxing after the photo session
Ariel loved getting baths at Dad & Bert’s house!
We also got family photos while we were there. Check them out at www.lattinphoto.com Choose “View your photos,” then go to “portraits,” enter the password—LATTINPORTRAIT, and select our album—8/21/09 San. I’m not sure how much longer they will be posted, so be sure to look at them soon if you’d like to!
We also had a BBQ at my cousin, Lori’s home, and that was a lot of fun to see my mom’s side of the family too. Ariel enjoyed playing with all the kids, but it was especially cute to see her interact with Lori’s daughter, Ruby, who is almost two months younger. We also got a chance to take some group photos; it was a good photo opportunity since nearly all of Granny’s great grandkids were there!
Granny with her great grandchildren.
Me, Ariel, Granny & all my cousins
Granny & the grandkids.
My aunts & uncle---too bad Moma is missing!
Ariel & Ruby playing together---so cute!
Ariel received many gifts from everyone, which was such a sweet gesture & truly appreciated!
My cousins, Darci & Justin from dad’s side, visited from Indiana towards the end of the week. Darci brought her two daughters, Taylor & Madeline. It was really nice to see them again!
My grama Pat’s memorial was on Saturday, and we visited with a lot of family on my dad’s side who we hadn’t seen in years. My Granny also attended.
We went with my Aunt Julie to bury my Grama’s ashes during our trip. It was quite emotional being at the cemetary because it made it “real” that Grama has passed away.
Iowa is not quite the same without Grama. We miss her so much & will keep her in our hearts forever. As a tribute to my grama, we went to the park she always took us to growing up & took photos just like the old days.
Cousins—Darci, Ang, Justin, & Me; we have this same photo from various ages when we used to visit growing up.
Ariel had fun running around while her Uncle James chased her.
Me & my brother, James.
So, although we had some sad moments, we had a lot of fun remembering the good times. Grama would’ve wanted it that way.
Love to you all,
David, Tammy, & Ariel
