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. 

Back to school night

Back to school night is the night the kids get to see their new classroom and put all of their supplies in their desks and lockers. This is the first year that Charlie will have a locker so there was a lot of excitement and effort put into decorating. 

Luke Bryan at the State Fair

First concert for Charlie and Will and first time at the State Fair for all 3 kids. We spent a bazillion dollars on concessions and did our best to deal with the huge crowds. It was hot, of course. Will and Charlie fell asleep partway through the concert and we left early since everyone was fading but I think we can still call it a great day!

Family Date Night

As a family, we rarely go to a nice restaurant. Our normal speed is fast and the menu must include mac 'n cheese and chicken nuggets! Tonight I wanted a change so we went somewhere with cloth napkins. Gasp! A fun night downtown Iowa City. Dinner at St. Burch followed by Aspen Leaf Frozen Yogurt and playing at the downtown playground. The kids even put on their fancy outfits for the occasion. 

Adventureland Adventure

We dropped Bo off at doggy daycare and headed to Des Moines for Will's first trip to Adventureland!

Waiting for the gates to open.

Will preferred to stick to the low-key rides and Charlie begrudgingly went along with my request for her to accompany him.

The entire family did the Raging River - so fun!

A cute kid's area has been added since we went last.  

This ride was so cool - the kids rode it several times. 

This ride was a little more aggressive than any of us anticipated. 

Such a fun day. We weren't ready to leave but had to rush home to pick Bo up before Doggy daycare closed for the day. 

All The Ears Pierced Today

We were at the mall today to see a movie but the fire alarm had gone off earlier in the day and pushed the entire movie schedule back so it turns out we had an hour to kill. We walked by Claire's and Scott told the girls they should get their ears pieced since we had extra time. Charlie said she might. She thought about it and decided......nope. We went to the move and afterward, Charlie decided she would get her ears pierced. Evy was a big no. Charlie did great and we went home. Later that night I took the girls back to the mall to look for some shorts. As we were driving to the mall Evy said, "Drive to Claire's right now before I change my mind." Ha! So, she also got her ears pierced today.  

Evy's First Babysitting Job

Evy has always loved all things cute. Baby animals and little kids hold a special place in her tender heart. She was thrilled to get her first babysitting job today. She stayed with my friend's daughter for 3 hours and earned $8 per hour! She woke up and got dressed with no complaints and rode her bike down to her first job. She doesn't have a cell phone so I sent her with her iPad so she can FaceTime if there are any problems. Crazy that my baby is now the babysitter!