football, iowa

boyd's first season of football has ended.

his team lost their playoff game a couple of weeks ago,

but not without a fight.

it was definitely the coldest game of the season,

but i was on my feet, walking and yelling the entire time, so i was plenty warm,

kevin helped on the field with the down markers, which he did a lot this season,

and boyd had a small cheering section there too. 

boyd and his team were presented with their trophies right after this game.

there were a few tears, because of the loss, and boyd was extra sad to say goodbye to his coach.

this pictures warms my heart, and makes it sad at the same time.

kevin was giving boyd a pep talk, and boyd was still crying.

i love them both so much.

right after the game, we packed up the truck, and headed to iowa for thanksgiving.

i can't recall how many times i've been up there now, since meeting kevin,

but i do know it is one of our favorite places to be.

we're so thankful for the time that we got to spend up there with family.

we arrived to a beautiful, fresh snow, at kevin's aunt and uncle's farm,

and there was a snowball fight before we even unpacked.

kevin's cousin drove up on a 4-wheeler, towing an old school bus hood for a sled.

i'd say we were treated to an extra special iowa sunset.

unfortunately, the day after we arrived, kevin's sweet 95 year old grampa fell and broke his hip,
and required surgery.
it made the rest of the week sort of a whirlwind, but we are extra grateful that we were up there,
and we thank God that he is now doing well.

we still managed to sneak in some loose meat burgers, one of our favorite things in ottumwa, besides family.

and, we had many laughs and conversations around kevin's aunt and uncle's kitchen table.
also...coffee, and moonshine.
good, good memories.

we celebrated thanksgiving before heading home on friday.
we were treated to all kinds of delicious food from kevin's aunt dianne, kevin's cousin josh,
and several others.
i was too busy stuffing my face to take many pictures,
but we are thankful for ALL of the family that we spent the day with.

a few visits ago, i remember kevin's grandma looking at him and telling kevin how proud she was of him.
i will never forget that. it has left such an impression on me, and it reminds me to tell that to boyd, often.
as we were leaving this time, and telling kevin's grampa goodbye, he told kevin he loved him,
and he looked at boyd and said,
you grow up to be a fine guy.
and i'm not sure if kevin knew, but i cried all the way back to his aunt and uncle's house.

we left iowa with good memories,
iowa beef...we love it...thank you so much,
new recipes from aunt dianne,
and happy hearts.

love,
nicolle