Summer 2011

Forgive me for the plethora of photographs but it is entirely necessary to adequately show our summer...

Wow...what haven't we done this summer? First and foremost, I feel so blessed that we have been able to have this summer together. Sometimes it seems life passes so quickly that work, baths, dinner, etc.. eat up our time together. For the first time ever, we took to the road and had some fun.

First we drove (yes, I said drove) all the way to Pennsylvania to Nana Janet and Tom's house. My mom, step-dad, sisters and their families are all there. We had fun at the zoo, shopping, boating and having a dock party. The kids even fished with nets. Trust me--they think that was pretty cool.

On the way home the kids were so amazing in the car we stopped at the children's museum in Iowa City, the pet store to hold puppies, Adventureland and the mall for some fun.

Last, Ryan and I got some much appreciated "alone" time in Des Moines for a day or two which is always fun. Bring on the Dos Rios cheese dip and jalapeno margaritas!

In all seriousness, I think often about the years ahead when our kiddos won't think going on vacation with us is cool anymore. Until then, I'm grateful that they still relish in our attention and can have fun as kids. The next few weeks will bring Ryan back to work full-time, Zoie beginning her first grade year and HOPEFULLY Kai using the potty! How cool will life be when we don't have to buy diapers anymore!

ps...the jetski is a ride Kai had to go on with some friends of my mom and then we won the Spiffy award in town for having a pretty yard in July. Pretty fun considering our yard was far from pretty for the past year or so.