Back to School

We are back to school this week!

First it was Avery's turn on Wednesday for preschool orientation!

showing off her new backpack

looking ready but a little nervous 

Aubrey was SO UPSET that it wasn't her turn to go to school yet.

Dad picked her up at the babysitters and brought her to mom's school. 

It was only orientation for half of the class, so she was very shy.

There were only two other girls and she didn't know anyone. 

She did relax a bit when there was a chance to color. 

on the listening carpet doing such good listening! 

time for a craft

In line, talking about the BATHROOM :(

Although she was quite shy, she was VERY EXCITED to share

what she did with Aubrey and Dad at home. 

Aubrey's turn for her first day of SECOND GRADE

on Thursday!

Looking great in her new backpack, outfit, and shoes!

Dad and Mom's beginning of their 13th years of teaching! WOW! 

Avery went to the babysitter this day (hence the just out of bed look for her). 

SECOND GRADE here she comes! 

Her teacher will be Miss Kendra Graves

(oddly enough, she is my cousin's niece) 

Iowa State Fair

The yearly tradition of the Iowa State Fair

came to a close today.

It was a different kind of fair since Steve and Aubrey

went up for 3 days before Avery and Mom joined them on Saturday.

We were all together on Saturday and then

Avery stayed overnight until Sunday.

Everyone was reunited Sunday evening

after a busy week at the fair!

Aubrey got to be a part of a commercial during the talent show. 

Aubrey was playing with new friends in the barn, 

showing off the cows to another friend 

But being in the barn all day is exhausting. 

Aubrey got to do a virtual roller coaster. 

Aubrey led "Dayworker" - the 500 pound bull to tie-outs by herself! 

All together for show day on Saturday. 

Reunited and it feels so good! They really did miss each other. 

Steve getting it all clipped up.

goin' showin'

Uncle Curt came up for the day to hang out with the Kaisand Cattle crew. 

 girls sporting their shirts, new belts, and cowgirl boots - looking the part

This makes us laugh :)

Getting ready for Little Hands on the Farm

This was the first time that Aubrey was too tall to ride the tractors. 

Avery still has a few year left to drive :)

bomb pops for the win! 

walking the Grand Concourse 

We packed their swimsuits to cool off at the splash pad at Pella Plaza. 

And then ran through the garden tunnel. 

The infamous BUTTER COW. 

Teaching Grandpa Craig how to play "TRASH" the card game. 

The GIANT SLIDE with Uncle Curt - so fun!

Aubrey and Mom rode the sky glider ALL the way across the grounds

to take the bus back to our parking to go HOME!

Quite the view from above!

Avery got to see a few fun things on Sunday by herself. 

She was excited about the pigs for some reason. 

Getting more brave with the cows. 

It was a tiring few days for all and we are all glad to be home together

before the back-to-school schedule begins bright and early Monday morning!