My Iowa Vacation

I spent a few days on vacation in Iowa. I know, I know, I know...not the most ideal vacation spot, I should save more money and make it to a beach or a touristy place next time, (insert jokes about my vacation here...)...it sounds funny and I don't blame anyone for laughing about that first line. It was not my first choice to go for using vacation time and enjoying a few days off work.

My Uncle on my father's side of the family lived in Vinton Iowa for years and moved to a new town about 10 years ago. I had not been out to visit and see their new home. They were visiting Denver a few weeks ago and I expressed an interest in visiting them so we were able to set up a date and I was able to get out to visit them with in a couple weeks.

It is one thing to get to know people by talking with them or hearing their stories and spending time with them. It is an entirely different experience to get to know someone by seeing where they live and how they live. After this trip it was the how they live aspect that was clear to me and I was very grateful for being able to visit them and see how they live.

I did all the things one would expect to do in a smaller town in Iowa. We talked about College foot ball games, played a few board games, helped cover up plants in gardens, ate meals made from fresh vegetables out of a garden, I saw their neighbors, visited a farm, a local store, and a local church. I did get the full experience...except for seeing the leaves change colors (supposedly when they change colors it is a full rainbow of vibrant colors). The most fun was just hanging out with family and talking and trading stories. Maybe everything else was icing on the cake for me or just the background for interactions? I am still sorting out what I enjoyed and why but until then, I can say it was a fun time and I am glad I took the time to visit my family.