First day of school 2010

It can not be, please not already, is it really, time for school!

Our summer went by too quickly.

It really does seem like just yesterday that Wendy

and I were planning our summer swim lessons and

camps, and here it is, school!

We had a great summer, but all good things must

come to an end.

Now is the time for books, backpacks and football!

Claire is a big 3rd grader this year. I am so proud

of how mature she is getting, and yet, a little sad

at the same time. I know that the little girl I put

on that bus today will not be the same little girl

that gets off the bus on the last day of school.

I love you Claire!

Ella, my little Ella, is a 1st grader. An official student!

I am still shaking my head as I type this, in

disbelief that my baby is a kid.

But, the great thing is, despite my fears and

worries, she'll do great!

She is so excited about school this year!

She can't wait to make friends and learn so much!

This is going to be a great year for Ella.

Although, I hope just a little bit of that "baby Ella" hangs on!

Happy Birthday Ella

6 years ago, God blessed us with Ella.

Ella is my little angel. She truly is happiness

wherever she goes. She makes people feel good.

She loves and cares very deeply.

She is kind and caring and full of love.

She is sassy, and funny, and clever.

She is defiant, and mischievous, and a drama queen.

She is strong and courageous.

She faces challenges and pains that would make

many want to crawl under the covers.

But through it all, she smiles, and hugs, and loves.

Happy 6th Birthday Ella Grace!

Good friends!

Lots of love

Family Hugs

Good times!

Presents and Pasta!

The swim bag rite of passage

Summer trip 2010

One of our highlights of this summer was our annual motorhome trip with Grammy and Boppa.
This year was extra special because Dave came along too!

All 7 of us loaded into the motorhome and set off for a week long trip to South Dakota!
Despite the close quarters, we all had a wonderful and educational time!

We explored, hiked, played, bear-watched, snake-watched, swam and shopped!
Something fun for everyone!

Avery was a great co-pilot,
although most of the time she
was confined to her seat!








Our first stop was the Badlands~

Avery's favorite visit was Bear Country.
We all enjoy watching the bears
roaming everywhere. One even came
up and scratched on our motorhome door.
That was NOT Avery's favorite part!









Mount Rushmore was awesome.
We spent the day there, and then
came back at night for a wild light
show and some great night hiking!














Reptile Gardens was the surprise
hit of the trip. We had a blast
watching the snake and alligator show!








Old McDonald's Farm is always
a family favorite!

Last, but not least, Wall Drug.

A good mining trip is a must on

every family vacation!

We are so lucky to have a Grammy and Boppa that

love to cram into a small space and share the wonders

of the open road!

I can't wait to do it again next year!!

Last days of summer

The last days of summer are upon us,

so we decided to squeeze as much fun out of them as we could!

Dave and I loaded the girls up and headed to Adventureland for the day!

We had a great time together and really enjoyed having 3 kids all old

enough to ride the rides! For the first time in 8+ years, no one had to

"stay behind with the baby". Of course, after about the 5th spinning,

flying, shaking ride, I was wishing for a baby!

Just a few days later, Grammy and I took the girls to the Iowa State Fair.

We had a great time riding the city bus from the Capital to the Fairgrounds,

seeing all the animals, eating, riding the sky-ride, eating, playing in the

butterfly garden, eating, farming on Little Hands on the Farm, eating,

riding the camel and horse and eating.

After only 9 hot and sticky hours, we were on the bus on our way back to

the car!

We hope everyone had a great summer, full of love, laughter, and food! : )