Squeezing the fun outta summer!

As I look back at my posts, it looks like we didn't do much this summer.

Actually, we did a ton and I was just too busy to

write about it!

These last couple of weeks we have worked on

squeezing the last bit of fun out of summer.

We made a trip to the Science Center with the Keplingers,

the zoo with the Liskey kids, bowling with the Twedts and Liskeys

and swimming with the Wurths.

Add that to our usual playdates and games of kick the can,

we have been very busy.

The girls always love a trip to the zoo, and

it doesn't get any better than with our best friends!

Aves kept her eye on those grabby swans!

I love this picture.  The girls look so grown up!



Next was a trip to the local Waukee Warriors bowling alley.

We have some pretty serious bowlers in our midst!

Avery really did have more fun that it looks like!

I hate to admit it, but our aquatic center season passes

didn't get quite as much use this year as in the past, but

we still enjoyed it.  Our last day there was a bit cool,

which allowed us to have the place to ourselves!

First time ever - I sat and read a bit instead of
following Avery around.  Quite a treat!

As summer is coming to an end I have a lot to be thankful for.

We had a great summer.  Relaxing, enjoyable, fun.

We had some great trips: Grammy/Dad/Claire to DC and

all of us out to Yellowstone.

We had lots of sleepovers, lots of friends and lots of adventures.

I enjoyed being home all summer, doing nothing but playing

with the girls and relaxing.

I'm grateful for our wonderful home, our great neighbors,

our loving family and our amazing friends.

I am grateful for my family.  I am so proud of my girls

and so in love with my husband.

Doesn't get any better than that!

Now.... bring on fall, football and a school schedule!!

Bears, Buffalo, and Banter!

As is our family tradition, this summer we all loaded up into

Grammy and Boppa's RV and set course to the West.

Along with us this year: Boppa, Grammy, Dave, Janelle,

Claire, Ella, Avery and Mickey(the dog).

Destination: Yellowstone

Prognosis: nothing but fun!

This was our most ambitious trip to date.  It is a bit

farther than we normally travel, with a bit less structure,

than some of our other destinations.  But, we felt like the

girls were ready for it, so we gave it a shot.

All in all, it was a fabulous trip! The kids handled all the driving

and camping great, much better than their parents!

We had probably one of the best experiences you can

have in Yellowstone.  We were surprised with some

great 'natural' attractions you don't always get, like;

getting caught in a hail storm, after being diverted by

a buffalo, while hiking.  Parking on the road while

a massive herd of buffalo chill out on the road.

Getting chased by said buffalo while acting like idiots

taking pictures of herd.  Discovering carnivorous bugs.

Hiking further than our legs can handle for the trip back.

Carrying a crying, exhausted 4 year old back up a trail.

Ahh, yes, we experienced all the best Yellowstone had to offer!

As much as I might miss my Internet and leisurely showers,

I would not trade in this trip for anything.  There is nothing

more special than a motor home, stuffed full of family,

making the most amazing discoveries and memories together.

I love it!  I am so grateful for it! And I can't wait to do it again!

First stop: The Grand Tetons.  Beautiful, big mountains.



Our first little 'hike'.  They get much bigger as the week progresses.




Beautiful!





But not graceful! Claire's first fall of the trip! :)




Finally, we arrive in Yellowstone!



Heading off to our first 'real' hike!




My three little cuties!




Water snake! Okay, I was starting to rethink the hike at this point!




Buffalo! 12:00! We were ready to head back anyway!





Good Ole' Faithful! It never lets you down!




More buffalo





Oh man, I love these kids!




Stinky, but beautiful geysers




My family ~




Wildlife!!




Why, hello there Mr. Buffalo




Seasoned hikers at this point ~




We had a lot of fun!




Look, a canyon!





This is the guy that tried to take Grammy and I out!





Love it!





Official Junior Rangers! They worked really hard to complete
their Jr. Ranger workbook.




Aves was so proud to be a ranger!




Buggy and her new friend!



This is it! This really is what it's all about!

Family, experiences, fun, forgiveness,

laughter, games, food, love.

We are so blessed!

Fourth of July Fun!

Despite this crazy heat we are having here, we had a great

time celebrating the 4th!

We kicked it off with a very hot parade.

The big girls walked, yes walked, in the parade with

Hope and Aves and I collected candy for everyone!

Waiting for the parade to start...

The girls and their besties all ready to walk for Jesus, and candy!

We decided it was too hot to do our usual 4th activities,

so we headed to Grammy's pool with our favorite family

friends, the Liskeys and Keplingers.

With 8 adults and 8 kids, there was a lot of fun to be had!

We swam all day, grilled some burgers and swam some more.

The big kids took some time out to play a little rock band.

Then we all loaded up and headed out to Waukee for the fireworks!

Mr. Keplinger arrived first and had quite the set up for us.

Chairs, blankets, a table and sparklers!!!

 And some more of our friends, the Mahoneys!

Everybody, huddle around the explosive!

It took a minute for Aves to 'warm up' to the sparkler!

The big girls loved them, as always!

Ooooh, a ball of fire.

Even Ella had fun with sparklers this year!

All the kids camped together to watch the fireworks. 

Despite the heat, the busy schedules, and all that can

get us distracted, it is so good to stop and be grateful.

Grateful for our freedom, for those that have come before

us to fight for it, and those that continue to fight today

for our freedom!  Thank you!

And thank you to our wonderful friends and family.

We are so blessed to have each of you in our lives.

We love you!