I was in Iowa again last weekend! I went to see my family to make up for missing the birthday party two weekends prior. While I was bummed to miss the party, I have to admit, I was excited to get my family all to myself and not have to share them with the other folks at the party! Muah ha ha. Ha ha ha.

Steven was going to come if we could fly, but the visibility had been absolutely ridiculous, so that was a no go. So I went solo and listened to audiobooks and loud music in the car. And on the way there I stopped and saw a coworker! Let’s start over though, I’m jumping right in.

On Friday I worked a few hours, then had a massage, then left to drive to Iowa around 11:30. I was concerned about feeling tired after a massage (and getting up at 4:00 am for class) but I think what really made me tired was the damn fog. I switched from my audiobook to loud music and that helped a ton.

I went a different route than I normally do (since I left from the massage) and was able to stop and see a coworker at her summer home (but in the winter, ha) in Galena, Illinois. I absolutely adore this coworker and she works from home 100% of the time and it’s always a treat to see her in person! That was a perfect pick me up.

I got to my snister’s around 6:00 and we ordered Indian food for dinner (it was my parents’ first time trying it) then got into a delicious cake she ordered for my visit.

Oh! And my mom had picked up vegan donuts for me that day too! Gah, ICON has the BEST yeast twist donuts. THE BEST.

So I fueled for Saturday’s long run with spicy Indian food, cake, and donuts. What could go wrong? (Ha, nothing did.)

On Saturday Dad came over to my snister’s and rode his bike with me while I ran 12+ miles. It was such a great run! I ran a lot faster than I do on my normal long runs. Being with people really energizes me!

The weather was great – high 30s and hardly any wind. And several of the trails had been cleared and we were able to find a safe route to run too. So glad I got to run with my Dad.

After our workout we went back to the house and had lunch. My older brother and his wife stopped by, and it was great to see them,

then Mom and Snis and I spent the afternoon shopping in downtown Cedar Falls. There was one shop I wanted to peruse, and it was so nice to just take my time with those two and know neither of them were in a rush. It was so relaxing and fun! I found several gifts for people – some to send now, and some to keep for birthdays.

High 30s in the Midwest in January = no coats

There was a moment where Snis and I considered getting ear piercings (a second lobe set for both of us) but the tattoo place we went to smelled horrible – like varnish! And it was a bit pricey. So we ditched that.

We found out the cafe had vegan treats and I got a cinnamon roll and (sort of?) shared it.

Then we shopped some more, did a Walmart pickup, and went back and made dinner (goulash) then hung out with everyone, played in the playroom,

had a Mario Kart tournament (it was the first time I’ve ever really played! I even came in first once!), and ended the evening with a Disney music dance marathon with Ella.

When you tell her to close her eyes, ha ha

We also saw the dumb RAGBRAI route announcement but more on that in another post.

On Sunday I got up and hung out with William and we painted a bit, then the rest of the family joined us.

We played a bit of Akedo,

and I hit the road just before 11:00. I wanted to get back in the daylight and have time to chill with Steven and the cats before bed! I finished my audiobook in the car and started another. The drive home was much less foggy, thankfully!

I had such a nice relaxing weekend, with a perfect mix of hanging out with everyone! I can’t wait to see them all again! (And hopefully Steven can come next time.)