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!

Vegas, Baby!!!

Earlier this summer we decided to plan a trip to Vegas with some great friends!  We took off for a long weekend and had an absolute blast.  We hit the casinos, the pool, the driving range, and some really great restaurants!  Lots and lots of laughs later, we boarded the plane to head back to good old Indiana and reality.  It was great while it lasted!

Sorry for all of the selfies, but we were just having too much fun to take pictures, lol!  What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!

Family Work Day - Mom and Dad's

We had our 3rd family work day of the year, at Mom and Dad's.  It was perfect weather, which helped out so much!  Mom and Dad didn't have a ton of projects to do, but the guys worked on finishing up the siding on the back of the barn, Andy and Allison tackled the house pressure washing project, I mowed the yard and helped with odd jobs, and Stacey and the kiddos picked up rotten apples and helped clean out the garden and some downed trees.  It was another great day of coming together to get things done.  Like the saying goes, "many hands make light work"...we are definitely a true testament of that.  So thankful for great family!  Of course, I didn't get many pictures...once again.

 Dad and Matt worked hard hanging up the barn quilts Mom painted. They turned out beautiful!

Date night

Ben had a little bit of a rough start to 1st grade this year.  I think the "summer of fun" was a lot for him and when we had to get back to a routine, it was tough.  He definitely was missing his mom those first couple weeks.  So, one night, he and I had a date night.  We hadn't done that in a while, so it was nice to get away for the evening with my little man.  We went to Target to look at the toys and then headed to Red Lobster for supper.  Ben had never had crab legs before, so we had to try them!. He decided they were good but they were a LOT of work, lol!  Thankfully after a couple rough weeks, Ben started loving school.

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!