Craft Time

We spent a week with the Ellingson family and had a blast. We were blessed to enjoy a week in Ben's Uncle's lake house. It was beyond gorgeous and felt like a home away from home. Here are some pictures of one of the many crafts we enjoyed on vacation - making pine cones into adorable, creative birds.

Nana's running partner

Mom hasn't ever had a running partner. I mean EVER. So, I decided to change that. Each day we enjoyed running together and it was really fun. Here is a picture Mom took of me that week. Too bad I didn't get one of both of us together. Next time! :)

Story Time with Auntie Angie

Ah, story time!! Our kids love books and they love it when someone volunteers to read them a story. Here you'll find their Auntie Angie reading them an all time favorite, "Do Baby Bears Sit in Chairs?" Thank you, Angie! (Also pictured - our niece Rachel and nephew Grant)

Pool Time

Mom and Dad don't have a large pool in their backyard but that didn't seem to bother my kiddos. They had plenty of fun getting Nana and Mommy wet with buckets and splashing in the kiddie pool. Here is a picture of the kids attacking Nana. :) Don't worry, she had fun too. You can see after a while, even they needed to rest. :)

Nana getting attacked with water

Mommy, Solomon and Isla soaking in the sun

Iowa Trip

We had a great time with Nana and Bompa this Summer. We spent a week with them and even got to see my sister and her kiddos (Andy had to work so we didn't get to see him - boooo! :( ) Our drive was loooong but we got to enjoy several wonderful things while visiting - overall, a great trip!

Parks

Pools

Slip and Slides

Play Dates

Tea Parties

Zoo

...and the list just goes on and on!!! :) Here are some pictures of our fun week with my parents:

Meeting Andrea in Le Mars

Andrea is our best friend from college. We love her to death! She was in town with her two kids visiting family and we decided to take a short trip to visit her and meet her little ones before heading off to see the Ellingson family for one week. Paul, Andrea's husband, was stuck back at home in Alabama due to starting a new job recently. We certainly missed seeing him too. It was a short trip but we loved every minute. Here are some highlights.

Blue Bunny Ice Cream Parlor - Le Mars, Iowa

Ben, Isla and Solomon

Andrea

Destiny (Andrea's Sister's Daughter) and Elijah (Andrea's son)

Maya (Andrea's daughter) and Simon

Lunch at Subway (Maya, Elijah, Isla, Solomon and Simon)

The. Whole. Group.

Zoo Time

The zoo was pretty exciting for the kids. It was a special day because Bompa didn't have to work so they got to see him ALL DAY! Here are some pictures of our fun adventure with Bompa and Nana.

All the grandkids

Solomon sharing Scarlett's stroller...he got tired of walking

Mommy and Solomon 

Ben, Me, Simon, Bompa, Scarlett, Isla, Aline and Solomon

Daddy and Isla (Simon was watching everyone...he was too scared to participate)

Wow. I'm glad I don't have to carry them around like that. :)