Summer Boating Recap

This was a great summer for the boat. The kids are getting more into it and as they get older it's overall an easier thing to manage. 

We were able to host lots of friends this summer which makes things more fun.

We loved getting dinner or lunch at Bobbers.

Charlie's new shirt, which was lost by the end of the summer so maybe another "new" one next summer??

Bo got to go out with us a few times. He's not so easy to deal with on the boat so later in the season we decided to mostly leave him at home.

Charlie got up on skis this summer! She worked so hard and didn't give up. She is a brave girl!

Evy started learning how to drive the boat this summer.

Willy Bob was always asking for opportunities to back his boat and trailer into the lake. Has to be included as one of his top activities for the summer. 

It wouldn't be a boating season if we didn't have to tow in another boater. Better to be on this side of the issue than be towed in ourselves. 

Never know what you're going to find on the lake.

Will tried sking a few times but found out he was much better at kneeboarding. 

By the end of the summer, Evy had mastered kneeboarding, even starting to turn halfway around. Hot dog. 

Hawkeye Football

What fun! We got to take the Simpson clan to a Hawkeye game this year. Iowa vs Miami of Ohio.

They brought Charlie a donut cake for her birthday.

Pregame drinks. 

Buddies!

Fun exploring the campus.

All aboard the Hawkeye Express.

Lots of concessions consumed to keep this crew of 6 kids entertained.

I-O-W-A

Charlie Turns 8

Charlie celebrated her 8th birthday with a pool party! Eleven friends joined her and we had a biggest splash competition, a smallest splash competition and a silliest jump competition. Charlie asked for cookie cakes for her party.  

And because one party would be totally boring we also had a family party at our house. 

Charlie decorated the cake herself.

8 YEAR OLD BIRTHDAY INTERVIEW

Q: What is your favorite color?

A: Blue

Q: What is your favorite food?

A: Waffles and pizza.

Q: Who is your best friend?

A: Grace B. and Carly

Q: What is your favorite thing to do?

A: Play dolls.

Q: What is your favorite song?

A: Firework by Katy Perry

Q: What is your favorite treat?

A: Milky Way

Q: What is your favorite drink?

A: Water

Q: What is your favorite show or movie?

A: Descendants 3

Q: What is your favorite toy?

A: Descendants 3 dolls, especially Audrey.

Q: What is your favorite thing to do with your family?

A: Eat out.

Q: Where is your favorite place to go?

A: The Playstation.

Q: What is your favorite book?

A: Heidi Heckelbeck

Q: What do you want to be when you grow up?

A: A Stay at home Mommy. (E: You have to have a paying job). 

An artist.

Q: Are there any other things you want to tell me about being eight? What are you excited about?

A:  To be older.

Q: What’s your favorite thing about school?

A: Music.

First Day of School

School started on a Friday which was a nice way to ease back into the crazy routine. 

Evy is starting 5th grade. Her homeroom teacher is Mr. Fisher. I bought her a women's size 8 shoe for her back to school shoes which means she is only 1 size behind me!!

Charlie is starting 3rd grade with Mrs. Turnquist! 

Kathryn, Lila, Sophia and Evy. 

Charlie, Georgie, Julia and Josie. 

Grace B., Charlie and Ainsley

Evy and Laela. They are so excited to be in the same class again!

That's a Wrap on Summer Break

We checked "bike to Press for donuts" off our list on the first day of break. 

Lemonade and Cookie Stand. Done.

Lake Macbride canoe, kayak, paddleboard. Check. 

Had to take Grandma Joan along for backup. 

Raptor Center. Check.

The wingspans are getting bigger!

The kids think it's hilarious that my wingspan is the same as a turkey vulture since turkey vultures are possibly the most repulsing type of raptor on Earth. 

Throwing rocks.

Not an easy task but we managed to go to Grandma's and Papa's on the same few days as our cousins!!

Wickiup is always a favorite. 

I think we made it to the Elks about 10 times - a whole lot less than a bajillion but we still had a good showing.

Pretty sure this is the second year in a row that we have not gotten camping in. It rained the entire weekend we had blocked off for camping. Maybe next year? Probably not.