Iowa 2016

This year, over Labor Day, we went to Iowa with my in-laws and my parents.  We hadn't been to Iowa for the Old Thresher's Reunion in a few years, so we were excited to be back.  The boys had a great time looking at the tractor's (and driving them), hanging out in the campers, riding the trains, and just having a few days to relax and play!  We had a great time too and enjoyed a few days with family enjoying great weather and making great memories!

I took a lot of photos, but unfortunately can't get them to upload right now.  I'll work on that, but for now, here's a few!

Update...finally got more photos to load!

 Kyran and Grandma Debbie had a blast riding the steam train!

 The tree amigos...and a random mobility cart (not sure why that's there???)

 Riding the trolley!

A favorite part is the "drive a tractor" spot...the boys couldn't wait for their turn! 

Here's a little video of the sparks show that the steam engines put on each night.  If you've never seen it in person, I can promise you that it's truly a sight to see!

1st Day of 1st Grade

Ben's 1st day of 1st grade was on August 9th this year, which just happened to also be his 7th birthday!  What a great way to celebrate you birthday.  We made treats to take to school, so I'm sure that helped all of the kiddos adjust to the first day a little easier.  He had a great first day and a very happy birthday.  Mom had a good 1st day too, at the high school.  Hard to believe that I've been "in school" now for 32 years of my life...yikes!

 

Ludingtong 2016 - Take 3

While we were in Ludington, Katie decided she wanted to try a new "do" before heading back to school.  We found a salon in town and scoured Pinterest for some ideas.  Here is what she decided on...it turned out perfect!

 The "before" picture.  Katie had taken a baby step towards this last year, when she cut off about 6-8 inches of her hair.  She's been wanting to go short for a while, but thought it might be best to go in stages.

 No turning back now!

 Starting to take shape

 The finished do!  As you can see by her smile, she was absolutely THRILLED with it!!!

Katie and her support group!

Ludington 2016 - take 2

Here are some more pics from our vacation!

The tube is always a good time on the lake.  We were very excited when Matt and Allison joined up mid-week with their kids, so that there were some "big" kids to have fun with on the tube!

 Taylor and Grandma Debbie...two pretty ladies!

 Rose's first time in the lake!

 The kids, once again had a great time at Sandcastle's Children's Museum.  That place never disappoints!

Stay tuned for more posts from our vacation!

Ludington 2016 - Take 1

Once again our family headed north to spend a week in paradise.  We love Ludington and look forward to spending time with my entire family, relaxing at the lake.  It never disappoints, year after year.  This year, it was Baby Rose's first trip, so it was even more special.  Of course, I took a ton of pictures...over 700, so I have way too many to post.  But, here are a few of my favorites that I took the time to edit!  They're will be several posts to get all the pics in, so enjoy!

 Miss Lucy loved the water

 Nothing beats ice cream from House of Flavors...we always make at least a few trips during the week!

 Kyran was in 7th heaven in Ludington!

 Addie and her big, bright eyes...melts my heart.

All of the kids had hours of fun jumping off the dock!