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?
Showing posts with label swimming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swimming. Show all posts
Friday, January 25, 2013
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Our Weekend
Oh my goodness. We had an interesting weekend.
We left Saturday afternoon to head to Peoria, IL to stay at Embassy Suites (a hotel which we normally LOVE), but as soon as we got there my "mini vacation buzz" ended.
We checked in and received our room keys....proceeded up the elevator (which freaked Jack out!) to our room and slid the little key in the slot. The second I opened the door I was overwhelmed by the smell of cigarette smoke. YUCK! I don't have a problem with people smoking, however if it directly effects me I will let you know!
So, I called down to the front desk. I waited on hold for more than 10 minutes just to talk to someone who didn't know ANYTHING, so I asked to speak with the manager. While waiting to speak with the manager Z walks in and asks if I changed Jack or Ady's diaper. I said, "no I haven't"....then he said "well, let them know there is a dirty diaper in one of the trash cans." SICK! That is totally gross. How hard is it to empty the trash can?
Anyway the manager, finally, came on the line (another 5-10 minutes). I told him about the dirty diaper and smoke filled room. He apologized profusely, especially for the diaper, and offered to switch our rooms. Well duh! He also gave us a $25 gift certificate to the cafe downstairs, something we will never use.
Needless to say, I will be giving them a call this afternoon (I should have done it yesterday, but I didn't feel up to it). Hopefully we can get this situation resolved.
Ugh, anyway. Overall it was a nice weekend. We enjoyed spending time with Lauren and The Teenager, and the kids LOVED swimming. :)
We left the hotel Sunday at about 11am. We drove for a little bit, and I stopped to get a sandwich at Subway so I could have something to eat before I started my 24-hour fast before my colonoscopy.
The prep for the colonoscopy wasn't as bad as I imagined, and neither was the procedure....but, the cramps that followed were awful! I was crying in the car because they were so bad. So, I googled some ways to help with the cramping (they pump you full of air and this causes you to feel bloated and crampy). I drank some warm beverages (apple cider and hot chocolate) per their instruction, and it seemed to help. Thank goodness!
They discovered one polyp (which they removed and sent over for a biopsy) and one hemorrhoid, and I have an appointment next week to discus in more detail the results. We shall see.
Anyway, how was your weekend? Hope all is well!
We left Saturday afternoon to head to Peoria, IL to stay at Embassy Suites (a hotel which we normally LOVE), but as soon as we got there my "mini vacation buzz" ended.
We checked in and received our room keys....proceeded up the elevator (which freaked Jack out!) to our room and slid the little key in the slot. The second I opened the door I was overwhelmed by the smell of cigarette smoke. YUCK! I don't have a problem with people smoking, however if it directly effects me I will let you know!
So, I called down to the front desk. I waited on hold for more than 10 minutes just to talk to someone who didn't know ANYTHING, so I asked to speak with the manager. While waiting to speak with the manager Z walks in and asks if I changed Jack or Ady's diaper. I said, "no I haven't"....then he said "well, let them know there is a dirty diaper in one of the trash cans." SICK! That is totally gross. How hard is it to empty the trash can?
Anyway the manager, finally, came on the line (another 5-10 minutes). I told him about the dirty diaper and smoke filled room. He apologized profusely, especially for the diaper, and offered to switch our rooms. Well duh! He also gave us a $25 gift certificate to the cafe downstairs, something we will never use.
Needless to say, I will be giving them a call this afternoon (I should have done it yesterday, but I didn't feel up to it). Hopefully we can get this situation resolved.
Lauren
The View
The Teenager, Lauren, and Ady
Zach
Jack
Ugh, anyway. Overall it was a nice weekend. We enjoyed spending time with Lauren and The Teenager, and the kids LOVED swimming. :)
We left the hotel Sunday at about 11am. We drove for a little bit, and I stopped to get a sandwich at Subway so I could have something to eat before I started my 24-hour fast before my colonoscopy.
The prep for the colonoscopy wasn't as bad as I imagined, and neither was the procedure....but, the cramps that followed were awful! I was crying in the car because they were so bad. So, I googled some ways to help with the cramping (they pump you full of air and this causes you to feel bloated and crampy). I drank some warm beverages (apple cider and hot chocolate) per their instruction, and it seemed to help. Thank goodness!
They discovered one polyp (which they removed and sent over for a biopsy) and one hemorrhoid, and I have an appointment next week to discus in more detail the results. We shall see.
Anyway, how was your weekend? Hope all is well!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Swimming, Again!
We have taken Jackson swimming once before, but he didn't have that much fun because the water was freezing! So, yesterday I went out and purchased him a "baby" pool and filled it with water during his afternoon nap. When he woke up (and had a snack, because my baby doesn't miss a meal, haha) he went swimming! He loved it!!! Little man was a little disappointed that he had to get out :(
We went out to the pool twice, and the only reason we went in from the pool was because a storm was blowing in. I am glad that we went in when we did because the wind REALLY picked up and it started to rain.
Oh well, I am sure that we will go out again!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Swimming!
Today Jackson went swimming for the first time! He was great with the water, but the pool was freezing. I hardly even got in the water. It was difficult to find a stupid floaty for babies this early in the season. I think they should always keep at least a couple on hand. Oh well, we finally found something....even if it is a little girly. Haha. Tonight is my first night without my little man. Yikes. So far, I am doing alright....but I have a feeling later will be VERY difficult.
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