Uncategorized – Page 3 – Asbery's Echoes

Memorial Weekend Staycation Fun

A beautiful barn outside of Solon. I enjoy looking at all the unique barns we have in Iowa.

Drew is always wanting to go on an “adventure”, so we decided to go on one on Saturday. I had seen an article about waterfalls in Iowa and one of the locations happened to be close to home so off we went! It was a beautiful day with a chance of rain but we took our chances. We had camped several times in this area in the past but we had no idea this hidden gem was so close to where we had been. (I apologize in advance for the pictures – I forgot my camera and was using my phone) We took off mid-morning on our adventure and this is what we found:

Lake Macbride from the dam. — Lake Macbride from the dam – just seconds before the rain!

We found the lake with no problem but it took a little trial and error to find the waterfall. Then as we were just getting ready to cross the dam on foot it started to rain, hard! So, we ran back to the truck, drove to town and treated ourselves to an ice cream cone to wait out the rain. It was worth the wait!

Drew, as usual, exploring ahead of everyone. The falls are just on the other side of this huge rock.

Eric just tolerates my picture taking - and his little brother hanging on his leg! — Eric just tolerates my picture taking – and his little brother hanging on his leg!

They weren’t really waterfalls – but were still neat to see. A fun way to spend the day, didn’t cost much money and we were home and relaxing by evening. A fun day spent with family! So much fun that we decided to take my dad and mom the next day on another “adventure”!

Heading back over the rock to find our truck and head home.

New York, New York

It was prom last Saturday – and the theme was New York City! The junior class did an awesome job transforming the gym into New York City. The Golden Gate Bridge, a carriage and park bench, a taxi and skyscrapers. They did a wonderful job and all the kids looked to nice dressed in their finest.

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Dressed and ready to pick up his date –

little brother had to be in the picture!

First a meal with friends and such a great group of kids they are. Some of these kids have been close friends for years and it’s been so fun to watch them as they grow up. Supper was held at one of the boy’s grandparents’ house. They were supposed to eat outside by the pond but it was a cold and rainy day so they stayed inside and looked out over the pond. It was a beautiful setting.

Arriving at the school.

And Grand March – don’t they look awesome!

Five Again!

Drew got to celebrate his birthday twice this year – a very rare occurrence! On Sunday we took him to Chuck E. Cheese in Des Moines. Lots of family came along too to help celebrate. Turning five is a big deal!!!!

Playing air hockey with big sister Abby and nephew Braxton - fun! — Playing air hockey with big sister Abby and nephew Braxton – fun!

90 year old Grandpa Meiners playing skee ball - he beat everybody! — 90 year old Grandpa Meiners playing skee ball – he beat everybody!

Lots of fun for the little ones and the oldest one! It was such fun to see Albert enjoying himself.

I’ve been stitching away in the evenings when I can. I just love this little bunny and those strawberries – so sweet. And a fun quick stitch. Will have to stitch it into a pinkeep soon so I can enjoy it this spring!

Strawberries Bunny Pinkeep by primitivebettys — Strawberries Bunny Pinkeep
by primitivebettys

And this is what I’m working on now – this will take a little longer to finish. I don’t always enjoy stitching lots of one color. I guess I like to see that I’m making progress when I stitch. But, I’m making myself slow down and just enjoy the process of stitching with this one. It’s fun to slowly see this dress take shape. This stitch reminds me of days gone by, when life moved a lot slower and things seemed to be simpler. It’s nice to slow down once in awhile in this fast paced world.

Winter Beekeeper Thread Board Stacy Nash Primitives — Winter Beekeeper Thread Board
Stacy Nash Primitives

Well, it’s time to start the day – laundry to hang out, rooms to clean, supper to plan. I’m going to try out a new recipe – Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs. Hope it turns out. I’m working on getting a list of tried and true recipes everyone likes put in a notebook that I can use to menu plan. My goal is to be able to plan a weekly menu using these recipes – so I can shop once a week and not make so many trips to the store after work. Hoping to save myself some time and money. Wish me luck!

Hello!

Welcome to my blog! Please be patient – this is all new to me! I have no idea what I am doing. I am not computer literate in any sense of the word – but I’m willing to learn! At one time I was an avid scrapbook keeper. My daughter (and oldest child) was always willing to pose for a picture and I loved keeping scrapbooks of her school years. My sons, the two oldest anyway, were not so eager to indulge me! So the scrapbooking took a backstage to my first and foremost love – cross stitch. But I still feel a need now and then to document the important (and sometimes not so important) goings on in our lives. My two oldest children have flown the nest. I have two at home – a 17-year old son and a soon to be five year old son (a very blessed surprise)! I also have a beautiful two year old grandson courtesy of my daughter and son-in-law. They all, along with my wonderful husband, keep my life busy and fulfilled and there is always something going on around here!