Overy Family's Grand Adventure

Earlier this month, I was contacted by a man named Chris.  He posed this question: If you were given $1500 for a vacation, where would you go and how would you use these funds to get the biggest bang for your buck?

Great question, and after a lot of consideration, we have decided that a "stay-cation" would be the way to have a grand adventure!

We recently moved to central Iowa, and haven't done much exploring of the local attractions.  And, I am more comfortable at home, in my own bed, than I ever am in a hotel.  Especially since "bed bugs" have become such a big issue.  Gross, that totally creeps me out.

Our first stop would be to the Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad.  My oldest son LOVES trains, and would adore a train ride.  :)  The total cost for this excursion would be approximately $75 (includes food and train ride for our family of 5).

Next up, a night out for Mommy and Daddy at a local winery.  Fireside Winery offers a lovely concert each Friday night.  What could be better?  Music and wine!  Of course, hubs and I would stop for dinner as well. The total for this excursion would be approximately $150.

Wow, okay...we still have a lot more money to spend.  :)

Next up would be an over-night stay at the Grand Harbor Resort and Waterpark in Dubuque, IA.  It is a bit of a drive, but a wonderful way to spend some time in the winter.  I don't know about you, but I always feel like doing things when I can't....swimming in the winter, Chick Fil-A on Sundays, etc.  Our kiddos would have so much fun!  Especially our Ady, she LOVES to swim.  :)  Total cost for the waterpark, hotel stay, food, gas, is approximately $500.

Our next stop would be to the Disney on Ice show at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.  My kids  love music, in fact they can sing most Disney songs word for word!  I couldn't imagine a better way to spend a night.  There little eyes lighting up as their favorite Disney characters skate across the room.  Priceless memories.  :) Total cost for this excursion is approximately $500 (which includes the ever so important Disney memorabilia)!

The final $275 would be used for a great dinner for our friends and family.  A few steaks, chicken, BBQ ribs, a few bottles of wine, and most importantly, good company.  After all, isn't the point of a vacation to relax and spend time with the people you love?  I enjoy entertaining, and love when people can enjoy our home as much as we do.

So, there you have it.  This is how the Overy's go on an epic "vacation".  How about you?  Do you have any upcoming vacation plans?  How would you spend $1500?

What's Going On In My Head

Oh.my.goodness.  My eye sight is getting bad!  I have to magnify EVERYTHING in order to read it.  Remind me that I need to make an appointment for the eye doctor.  Thanks!  :)

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We have a fun and relaxing weekend planned, and I am so excited.  Saturday (around noon) we will be heading to Peoria, IL for a little hotel stay at our favorite hotel.  :)  Swimming, pizza, a few drinks = relaxation!  All of us can't wait!

We are also excited to be able to spend some extra time with The Teenager and my sister, Lauren.  Lauren is attending school near Peoria, and LOVES when we come to visit.

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On Monday, I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy.  Without getting into too much detail (because who really wants to know, lol), I have been having painful bowel movements since giving birth to Ady.  My primary care physician thinks it is hemorrhoids, but wants a colonoscopy to be sure with my family history of chron's disease and other autoimmune diseases.  I am sure I will know more by the end of next week (and maybe even Monday....but, I am not sure how much detail the doctor will get into right then and there), and I will be sure to let all of you know.

I know this is a pretty standard procedure, but I am still not looking forward to it.  I am too young to be falling apart, lol.

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And just in case you needed an Ady fix before the week, here she is!

She went into our bedroom with me this afternoon and spotted Daddy's hat....and she just had to have it!  I am happy to report that 2 hours later, she is still wearing it.  :)  What a little cowgirl.

Have a fabulous weekend!