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) 

Summer!

It's been a wetter and chillier start to our summer than in year's past

but we have enjoyed a change of pace greatly!

Jen still is doing summer tutoring 4 days a week in the morning

and Steve is busy with "speed and aglility" and working at the farm!

A nice day for a family bike ride 

Avery's 1st time to "rickety bridge" with her bigger bike and training wheels 

We got the pool set up in June, but only have been in it about 5 times so far 

 due to the cooler weather. 

My roses all came back beautifully even though I was worried

after a harsh winter. 

One afternoon Aubrey floated for 30 minutes straight!

Unbelievable - she was getting chilly and even got a little sunburn

on her stomach where we forgot to sunscreen :)

sight word squirt gun game 

multiplication squirt gun game 

Avery started gymnastics up again for 6 times this summer 

She was the only one on time when it started - a few more did join her later. 

The girls enjoyed the Kaisand cousins campout the weeked of Father's Day!

We celebrated Steve's birthday a few days early out there, too. 

Grandpa and Grandma's nice new camper! 

The girls LOVED their time camping for a few days this year!

We decided to make cupcakes for Steve's birthday 

The girls planned a little "surprise party" for Steve -

those girls LOVE birthdays! 

Happy 36th, Steve!