Basketball Hoop

Steve decided that for his birthday, anniversary, Father's Day,

or whatever holiday he wants, he wanted a new basketball hoop.

Ours was old and rusted and came with the property

and he really wanted an adjustable one that would grow with the girls.

He decided to get a Goalsetter brand - where they make them locally 

near Peoria at Co-Line so he was able to pick it up and save some $$$$!

One evening Steve just pushed on the pole and it immediately fell to the ground - 

snapped off and fell to the ground! 

We were glad we told the girls to get out of the way.

Aubrey was disappointed it came down with no warning and 

she needed to take a week-long break with no hoop :)

So right away Steve got to digging to see what might be down there.

Avery's acting sad just because Aubrey was ;)

the pole that snapped off and the two feet of cement around it

We were thankful our "neighbor" dairy farmer friend could run over

and let us borrow his tractor to pull up the last of the pole/cement. 

There comes the rest of it! 

Craig and Steve then had to dig down to four feet deep 

to properly pour the cement to secure the new hoop.

Aubrey could fit right in with Grandpa! 

Is that you, Avery?! 

They had to buy 20 bags of concrete to mix and pour by hand.

And the pole is SET! Now, time to wait. 

Craig then came back to help set it up - it was HEAVY! 

Trying to get it level took a bit

It's nice to have a crank - can go as low as 6'4'' and as high as 10'

Steve's first shot - and a MISS

Aubrey's first shot - and a MISS

Avery's first shot - and a MISS

Aubrey using the ladder to make it worked better :)

All 3 are very excited to use it now! 

Dunking on an 8' hoop - got a taste of it at Sky Zone ;) 

Anniversary Family Outing

On Friday, June 21 it was our 11 year wedding anniversary

and we celebrated as a family by spending the day in Des Moines!

First it was to the Science Center of Iowa where 

we got free passes from our public library!

We packed a picnic lunch, but due to the rain/chilly weather

 we had to eat it in our van on the street parking.

ready for a fun day

It was a rainy day so that meant it was very busy, 

but we found close street meter parking! 

practicing the weather

(the real weathermen didn't make it out LIVE due to storm watching)

Steve is holding the green sheet to make Avery disappear 

in the cave 

Avery was doing her "egg drop" and then after she did it about 3 times

the machine stopped working - oops! 

Dominoes to ring the bell

How is that ball staying afloat?! 

Disney World castle built from LEGOS

pulley system chair 

The Wynias happened to be in DSM for a wedding, 

so they met up with us for an hour and a half!

FUN with bubbles! 

Steve's turn with the pulley chair 

Aubrey and Camryn doing a science animation activity 

Avery and Jaelyn 

cousins lined up oldest to youngest 

11 year anniversary photo op - from Aubrey ;) 

Then we headed to Grimes where we cashed in on some free passes

(that we bought from our school auction) for SKY ZONE trampoline park! 

Steve jumped with the girls for 30 minutes and then they jumped 

another 30 minutes alone. 

Steve REALLY enjoyed his 30 minutes! 

That's Avery flying high!

Aubrey jumping into the foam pit! 

the basketball hoop was a hit, too

We ended our day at Cane's for supper 

End of Softball

Aubrey had a great year as a first year Rookie season in all girls softball!

She was team Mahaska and Kelly Luck and Brad Boender were her coaches. 

On the last game of the year, Dad had to be the fill-in coach

since the other coach was on vacations. 

Aubrey and one of her coaches, Brad Boender 

Grandma Char got to come to a few games this season! 

End of the season chit-chat 

Always in "ready" position 

It was SO NICE that these girls had each other to play with each game

when their sisters were out playing softball. 

Got the OUT at FIRST! 

Let's go AUBREY!

Steve calcualated that Aubrey got a hit each of her last TEN

at bats in a row to end the season - nicely done and great improvment! 

(In Rookies there are strike outs and outs as earned)