Neal and I are back in Iowa this weekend for his cousin’s wedding and saw it as the perfect opportunity to travel to Nebraska to see family and a few friends. I hit the road bright and early yesterday morning, that way I could stop in Omaha on my way to Lincoln.
Of course I had to stop at Smokey Row in Des Moines on my way to Ohama. I mean, how could I not? Their coffee is just amazing!
With a hot cup of coffee in my hand and 3 bags of ground coffee in tow, I began my drive from Des Moines to Omaha. It took me about 2 hours to get there from Des Moines, but it was a beautiful drive!
First stop, visiting Jess from the Blonde Ponytail! Jess and I first met at the Runner’s World Half Marathon last October and then were teammates during a Crossfit WOD at Reebok headquarters.
Jess is such a wonderful person and is so passionate about helping others reach a happy and healthy place. If you haven’t checked out the workouts she has on her blog you’re missing out!
After spending some time with Jess, Joanna from Making Mine met up with us for a bit! Joanna has the most adorable 3 month old and it was wonderful being able to meet them both in person. Joanna and I have a lot in common and though I’m grateful our blogs connected us, I wish we lived closer to one another. As Jess said, maybe it’s time to move to Omaha :)
After hanging out with Joanna I hit the road around 12 PM to meet up with my beautiful cousin Addie. Now let me tell y’all, driving in Nebraska is where it’s at!! 75mph speed limit… I was LOVING the drive from Omaha to Lincoln and got there rather quickly.
Addie and I were able to hang out most of the afternoon and even went and got pedicures… $18 pedicures! I just love how much cheaper it is to live in the Midwest compared to DC. It’s the little things!
For dinner, Addie and I met up with her husband, adorable 15 month old son, and her parents (whom I ADORE!) at Leadbelly in Lincoln.
The food was outstanding (vegetarian po’boy anyone??), so if you’re in or near Lincoln be sure to check this place out!
The time with my family on Thursday was so needed and I’m incredibly grateful to have them in my life. I always wish I lived closer to family,but I am grateful for being able to see them when we can.
By 7:30PM I was back on the road, headed back to Neal’s parent’s house in Iowa. It was a long drive, but thanks to phone dates with my sister and mom, the 4 hour drive flew by.