The Always Entertaining Ernsts: Iowa Fourth of July

For the Fourth of July this year, we headed up to Iowa for Eric's Cousin's Wedding as well as the Ernst Family Reunion. Either Kaylee is getting used to flying or Eric & I are better prepared, because the flights to and from were rather smooth. However, Kaylee was a bit clinging due to being out of her comfort zone. Away from home with lots of new faces took a toll on her as well as my arms! I think if we had a few more days there or weren't going city to city, she would have been all over the place. The first night, we spent it with Eric's Grandparents in Ames. The weather was in the 70s and everything was green...a nice change from the miserable Texas heat! Kaylee loved being outside and checking out their gorgeous flowers....especially the "purple flowers". Next day, we headed to Des Moines for Tim & Kristen's Rehearsal Picnic. We had to wake Kaylee up from her overdue nap, but she was in a better mood once she saw the playground. When she goes down the slide we count 1, 2, 3. She surprised us when we said 1, she finished 2 and 3! When did you learn to count little girl?! Next day, we headed downtown Des Moines to eat a Brewery. Of course Eric sampled ALL the beers and feasted on a true "Iowa" Pork Sandwich. Then, that night we went to Kristen & Tim's beautiful wedding! It was great to see the whole Bachman Family and meet some new faces! Then on the Fourth of July, we headed to Prairie City for Eric's Dad's side of the family's reunion...The Ernsts! And I thought I came from a big family? There was a lot of people and kids, Kaylee seemed comfortable to run/dance around. Finally I got to put some faces with some names....it was great to meet/see everyone! We headed back to Austin on the night of the Fourth, so we got to see Fireworks from Dallas to Austin. It was really awesome. Kaylee kept saying...."Whoa!".