The Daughenbaughs Experience Iowa-updated

We had a great time with Jason, Katie, Reder and Ruby when they came to visit us last week. The boys were undescribably excited to see each other. Wally was also very excited to see Baby Ruby. The kid is obsessed with babies.

The first full day they were here, we rode the "school bus" to Wally's school to meet Wally's friends. Reder thought it was pretty neat to ride a bus. Wally thought it was pretty neat to have everyone ride the bus with him to school.

After playing at school for a little while, we went across the street to the Ped Mall and played in the fountain and on the playground. This was just one of the times where the boys' different personalities came out. Reder quickly decided he didn't want to get wet, so he went to the playground. Wally was soon using his hat as a bucket to catch water, was trying to drink it, and figuring out how to get as wet as possible. Joel met us there after working the morning at the lab. I tried to get Wally to give Joel a big hug, but Joel noticed that he was a little wet before the hug. Shucks! We got Wally into dry clothes and went to lunch.

After nap time, we had a little birthday party for all of the kids, since we weren't together for Reder and Ruby's birthdays and won't be for Wally's either. Ruby got real presents and the boys got junk from the Dollar Store. They didn't care though. We followed the presents with cake. Wally and Ruby sure liked the cake. I'm not sure what has happened to Reder, but he just doesn't like cake. I think Ruby is going to turn out more like Wally than Reder!

The following day we took Reder and Ruby to the mall to experience a carousel for the first time. It was a big hit.

After the carousel, we ventured to the otherside of the mall to the play area. Once again, all 3 had a great time. Baby Ruby sure loves to slide!

We've taught Wally that if he wants to jump off of something high, he needs to hold hands. I guess we forgot to mention that it should be an adult's hand. Shortly after this picture, holding Reder's hand, Wally jumped. Luckily, I was able to catch Reder (he was unaware of the jump coming) and Wally landed without breaking any bones.

The last full day we had them, we took them out to Lake MacBride to show them the great Iowa outdoors. It was raining, but in Iowa, it doesn't mean it is cold, so we had a nice time anyway. Ruby thought Uncle Joel was pretty neat.

The boys had a great time throwing sticks into the water. Pretty sure we found poison ivy right where they were standing after the picture was taken. No rashes appeared though!

Reder was trying to show me his collection of sticks he was going to throw into the water, when I picked a big leaf and told him it was a hat. Pretty sure he thinks I'm crazy!It just happened to be our 6th anniversary that day, so we got a family picture. A lot has changed in 6 years!Though the morning was rainy, the sun came out after nap time, so we were able to play in the pool.Wally really wanted to give Ruby a kiss, but she had other ideas!

Ruby decided that maybe if she splashed, Wally would stop trying to kiss her. Guess she didn't see Wally in the fountain earlier!

Wally got a little wet, so he decided to shake like a dog!

Wally's friend Sander also came over for some water fun. Wally finished the slide in classic Wally style. Oops, I forgot that I can't rotate the videos. Don't hurt your necks watching this one!

All in all, we had a great time with the Daughenbaughs and hope they can come visit again. We miss you guys!