Valley Fair

We took a last minute trip up to the cities to go to Valley Fair last weekend. It was a fun, tiring, and hot day. Jack is still talking about the roller coaster that he rode on called Mild Thing and the go carts were a hit too. Luke loved all of the trains of course riding on anything that remotely looked like a train, and Selah rode on whatever she was big enough for. They also have a foam ball factory we went to for awhile where you launch balls through cannons or just throw them around and Jack is very proud that he beamed me in the head and in the heart during our foam ball battle. Brad got in a few good hits too (on accident I'm sure). Did I mention I was on the bottom floor and they were on the top? Poor little Selah also got nailed in the face with one (not by her brother of course) but she didn't think it was as funny, all she was trying to do was collect all the balls in a bag! I didn't dare get out the camera during the battle so no pictures from there.

More Pictures from Leah's visit

Visit from the Cousins!

Last week we had a visit from Aunt Lele, Grandma Lois, Layken, Ainsley, Levi, and baby Jude! It was a busy and fun week full of baseball, swimming, and just playing. Selah was in heaven! Two big girls to play with, Grandma Lois and Aunt Lele who paint her nails and tell her how funny and cute she is and a baby! And Jack couldn't have been happier to have Levi and the girls to play baseball with whenever he wanted. Luke also loved having Levi to play Star Wars with and always someone to tell about Thomas. It was fun to see my kids with the baby. Judah is such a happy baby and they loved making him laugh. I appreciate them coming so much because I know it isn't easy traveling with three kids much less four. It was a perfect birthday present for me, and we had cake the morning of my birthday befor they left!

Camping Trip

We went camping at Whitewater State Park a few weeks ago.  It is so pretty there.

Our campsite was right by a trout stream so we spent a lot of time throwing rocks, collecting rocks and wading in the water.  The colors down by the water were really beautiful! 

Between the river rock, trees, and blue sky you could sit there watching and listening to the water forever.  

If we didn't have to worry about kids getting swept downstream it would have maybe been a little more relaxing!  Jack got pushed down once by the current crossing but played it cool and didn't act scared.   Selah however, would ride down the entire river with a smile on her face if we let her and Luke would just fall down, get back up and say "whoa, that was close!"

One of the nights some raccoons actually got into the cooler we had out and got our marshmallows and also tried to get into the tent where we had some food! There were paw prints all over the picnic table.  Such clean animals they are too! 

The boys didn't catch any fish but Brad said even the serious guys in the waders weren't catching anything!

Trip to Storm Lake

This is the trip we went on to Storm Lake to see Brad's sister Jennifer and her boys, we only get to see them a few times a year.  

Our little Selah jumped on the tube like it was no big deal, this is Jack's first year going on it and although Luke was not interested in being pulled behind the boat on it, he would however jump off of it from the dock and did, a lot.  

Another big hit is always throwing rocks in the lake, it was even better with a cousin!  Feeding ducks was fun too, and finally the water guns Grandma Willa gave out.  Luke was laughing the whole time! I love that kid's laugh!

4th Of July

We went to a neighborhood BBQ for the 4th at Tami and Al's and had a great time, we set off fireworks for an hour after playing games and eating. Walking back home Jack said that was the best holiday he has ever had! I guess setting off explosives is even better than presents!

Two nights a week this is where our family is, Jack is so into baseball right now, I think he is at least, I am usually over by the playground or the sprinkler near the field with Luke and Selah! Jack is having so much fun and Daddy is even one of the coaches this year.

Starting our Blog

I have been inspired by my neighbor Monica to start a blog to keep everyone updated on our family without having to send you albums to open all of the time!



Luke is big on Darth Vador right now so our cul-de-sac was guarded by Darth the other day. The funny part is none of the neighbors who know Luke would even wonder who is was!