New endeavors

Nana and Papa have a lovely horse, Toy. K has been taking lessons and attended her first show today. We learned a great deal. I even learned how to put on the saddle and bridle. We are so thankful to Nana and Papa for giving us this opportunity.

Our state fair is the best state fair...

Our first time in the chicken barn. They were AMAZING!

FABULOUS!

STUPENDOUS!

Not something seen everyday. (a one- man-band)

s and the snakes, an annual pilgrimage.

Another annual tradition.

Each big boar is so special in his own way, and yet, they seen to always be in the same position, asleep.

Summer

Another wonderful summer, flying by too fast. The kids enjoyed Art Camp (with Tiny Circus!) as well as Wildlife Camp in Iowa City, basketball camp, band lessons and a trip to Orlando with S. K took her grandmother's snickerdoodles, photographs and Pepper to the 4-H fair.

K and Pepper. A good learning experience is the best possible outcome! Pepper did not behave as she should have, but K persevered and finished.

A family Iowa Cubs outing.

S's mom's surprise birthday party! Everyone waiting to jump out.

Angie got some great shots of the kids when they spent an afternoon with the Kriegels!

Favorite

July 4th is my favorite holiday. I love our small town rituals and the friends we gather with for our annual traditions. This year the day started cool and rainy but the weather cleared in time for rockets, dinner and fireworks.

We gather for the parade, which goes right by our house.

This year, S brought the deck chairs down to the street. Brilliant!

Todd made rockets for the kids to shoot off. They were awesome! Here they are standing in line, waiting their turns.

A close-up of the action.