First Day of School

Austin started First Grade and Bella started Kindergarten today. And Logan got to be the leader on the way to the park for the first time all summer. Everyone had a fantastic day.

Austin said that Mrs. King's activities, "Rocked!" Bella said that, "There is no homework in Kindergarten, because it's sooooo fun. That's why!" And Logan said, "I am a fireman Daddy today!"

The children were so excited for school. Austin was the first one on the bus this morning from the bus stop. No looking back, no time for a picture. He was all business -- very ready for school to start.

Bella had a shortened day today, and was the only child at our bus stop who had to return later in the morning for her bus to pick her up. She didn't seem to mind too much, and same with her - no looking back, no time for a picture. And, she's already made a friend on the bus - Gracie.

Looking at this picture gives me a sad, yet proud, yet nostalgic for all of the years before this kind of feeling. But this morning they were just so pumped about starting school, that the feeling of excitement was what was contagious. It was a good day!

Fun at the State Fair -- as always!

August 12, 2008
On Tuesday, I worked at the State Fair during the day at the IMT booth and Brian brought the kids to the fair that afternoon. We stayed long enough to see the sun setting and enjoy a nutritious dinner of corn dogs, walking tacos, chocolate chip cookies and cheese curds. AND a truly healthy snack from the Little Hands Farm, where the kids worked hard for their reward. Year-after-year, the Little Hands Farm is one of the fair favorites for the children. That and the sky ride that takes its riders over the top of the entire fair – that is a must for us! This year, instead of riding the midway rides, the children made sand art and were able to bring home their creations in small bottles. They decided that was a fair trade. :)

Austin's Birthday Party

August 10, 2008
We celebrated Austin’s birthday with his friends at Adventureland, and returned home for cake and presents. When we asked the kids what the best part of their day was, it was a resounding response for the man who was shot out of the cannon. The tea cups and the hot air balloon rides came in second. Even though the birthday cake wasn’t in the top two favorites – it was still a very tasty “Wall-E” birthday cake.

Silly Costume Day

August 8, 2008
The kids decided to dress up for Kate this morning while taking the sheets off of their beds. They got pretty silly while putting on their alter egos!

A Day at the Zoo

August 2, 2008

One of the outings that the children went on with Kate this summer was to the Des Moines Blank Park Zoo. It was a beautiful day to feed the goats, admire the majestic lions, watch the sea lions swim in their pool, pretend to be prairie dogs and enjoy BIG ice cream cones! Thank you Kate!

Kiawah Island, South Carolina - Relaxing Weekend Holiday

July 26, 2008
Brian and I enjoyed a work trip from Aviva on a beautiful island just 40 minutes from Charleston. We enjoyed visiting with friends from work as well as relaxing by ourselves. It was a really nice get-away while Granny graciously kept the children busy in Iowa. (Self-portraits never turn out that great – but there we are!)

Kindness Reward - Family Bowling Night

And of course, I forgot my camera!

Bella started a Kindness Jar for the family - the gist being that catching someone being kind can make us all aware of our own level of kindness towards others. Thank you Kate!

After earning 30 marbles, we all went out yesterday for a fun night of bowling. Bella enjoyed standing with her hands on her hips, and one hip out to the left while watching her ball make its way down the lane. And of course, she wore a cute summer dress!

Logan punched the air and did a victory dance after his turn, nearly every time. We got a pretty extensive show when he'd pick up a spare!

And Austin, our competitive little man shot a 100 on our last game! That wasn't good enough though, because Daddy pulled ahead of the family. It did no good to point out that I was at the bottom of the standings. Ah well, we are a family of Lions!