On Saturday, we went to the mall, because Eva really wanted to try ice skating again. That's become one of our special father-daughter things to do, which is cool. After grabbing a quick lunch at Arby's, we went to skate. Cece didn't want to try it at first (last time we tried but it was too slippery and scary for her!). But then, after Eva was putting on her skates, she changed her mind. So we all rented skates and got them laced on (I was already sweating and tired by the time we finished that job!).
Eva was off skating before me and Cece even had our skates on. Then we went over to the ice, and had to really work together to get past the funny slippery feeling and onto the ice. But then both girls skated like champs!
We also went so Smushie Land, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and the Iowa Children's Museum while we were hanging out at the mall.
When we got back home, Eva made us ham & cheese sandwiches for dinner. Then we decided to have a short ceremony for my long-time pal Raki. We buried his collar and used one of his brushes to mark the spot. Eva and I shed a few tears, and I was really glad the girls and I could share a few moments together to remember him. Here are some last pictures to remember him by:
Sat night we watched Homeward Bound II.
On Sunday, we got up, had breakfast (waffles), and then headed for the Niabi Zoo. That was a really nice, family-friendly zoo. No crowds, not too big, inexpensive. We spent about 4 hours there, and got some good pictures.
Then we stopped at another really nice children's museum in Bettendorf, IA. Finally, we had just enough time check out a Lock & Dam on the Mississippi River before our appointment at Eva's school. I got to meet her 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Temple and also see her apple tree in the orchard. They're picking the apples this week to make applesauce.
What a fun-filled, busy weekend we had! It was sad to say good-bye so soon, but I'm looking forward to many more visits like this in the future.
