A Very Iowa Weekend =)

I'm having an awesome family weekend this weekend.

I arrived in dear old Des Moines, Iowa on Friday night so I could visit some of the most important people in my life.  Seriously, Iowa is basically the greatest state.  I know that very few of you are going to believe this, but you’ll never convince me otherwise.

It is going to be a jam-packed weekend! I flew in on Friday night and got to have a homework session and slumber party with my very favorite friend.  It felt almost like we were back in college except for the giant yellow lab loudly chomping on his bone in the background….that was sadly absent from our college years.

Saturday morning, the three of us (including the previously mentioned lab) went for a refreshing 3 mile run/walk to catch up even more.  I really love Iowa in the fall.  It really is the most charming place.

During our morning outing, we passed this awesome "Little Free Library" in some random front yard.  Basically, it is a little book swapping post.  I *love* this idea and would totally do this if I have a front yard like this someday.

He was such a good boy - isn't he so photogenic?

Also, living in the desert has made me forget how beautiful autumn is in places that have actual trees!!  

Blue skies, bright fall colors - what a perfect morning!!

Bonus my only favorite sister and her husband decided to make a trip to Des Moines just because I was in town!!

            

In addition, my brother and sister-in-law also came to Des Moines. 

            

Oh yeah, the brought my favorite little man with them – but I’m thinking that he should just come back to Vegas with me, don’t you think?

Sadly, Husband couldn’t make it this weekend.  He’s basically the only component that is preventing this from being a perfect weekend.

So, the first reason I came to Iowa this weekend is for the IMT Des Moines Marathon, Half-Marathon, and 5K.  Both my daddy and my SIL are running the half.  This will be my daddy’s FIRST half!!!  I also think, but I might be wrong, that this will be my SIL’s first half since the birth of the cutest boy on the planet.

I think my daddy has caught the bug.  He doesn’t know it yet, but within 8-10 hours after his Half is completed, I will have convinced him to do a marathon within the next six months.  I’m not sure which one….but it will happen. 

While my dad is busy obliterating my fastest half time, I’ll be running the 5K with my mom.  I think I mentioned this awhile ago, but my mom has seriously been kicking butt in the weight loss and fitness departments.  She started out on the elliptical machine and now mixes in a few 5Ks here and there.  In the last year, she has reduced her 5K time from ~48 minutes to under 40 minutes!!  Isn’t that awesome!?!??!??  I’m going to be running alongside her to make sure she keeps that 5K under 40 minutes. 

Have you ever worked out or completed a race with one or both of your parents?