they just make me smile

Our 6th Ragbrai, on the books. Many more memories, smiles, belly laughs, new experiences. Looking at these pictures brings a huge smile to my face.

All showered up, gathering stream for the evening.

belovely.

I LOVE this picture of Greta!

Clos and Jason macguivering the iphone. Yep, easier with tequila on board.

The cold packs delighted C!

She skipped corn fields and went straight for the beans!

Some of John's favorite ragbrai things.

Jimmy and Jason, looking sharp.

Marie visited the route for the first time this year. She was understandably anxious.

Marie finds the first beer garden and DJ on Ragbrai. Songs were sung in her honor!

Such impressive teamwork!

Ragbrai has also given me sisters.

I like to think of it as wisdom that we bring to the team!

The brothers in pink.

The rainy morning pulling out of Waterloo. The breakfast buffet at the casino was DELICIOUS!

How many people does it take to do our driver's job?

Sunshine was new to our crew this year, definitely a keeper!

He's my favorite person in the whole world.

County Fair 2010

Both kids took part in the fair this year. s joined Clover Kids and could show indoor projects. He took his beloved Oreo in the Pets division. K took photos, Pepper in Dog Obedience and Nana's horse, Toy. Although she did not intend to show Toy, she exhibited in a handling class and participated in some of the games. The fancy braids, hat and harness are all courtesy of 4-H friends. Nana also brought the camper so K and Nana were able to stay overnight.

K sought to improve her dog obedience performance compared to last year. She worked very hard and her efforts paid off; Pepper's performance was markedly improved.

I am so grateful to my parents for making it possible for K to show the horse, taking K to obedience classes and bringing the camper. I also am indebted to our leaders for many large and small kindnesses.

My Merry Workers!

s and Nana confer.

s and Oreo.

Nana and Papa confer.

Cheering section.

More encouragement.

More supporters.

Our fearless and enthusiastic leader.

s finds an animal to cuddle.

Preparations.

Lovely

A perfect day for my birthday. Friends traveled from Iowa City and Des Moines for a ride on the Baxter trail. Jenn joined us for a feast at the end. A steak dinner with the Redings and Jennifer. Lovely!

July 4th

Another lovely July 4th, my favorite holiday. Rain postponed the town parade but we participated in the Country Club parade and fishing derby and then had dinner with dear friends. We enjoyed the parade a few days later.

s decorated the cart himself.

Ready for the Country Club parade.

Taking water guns to a whole new level!

Also a fun night out with friends. We laughed and laughed when k got the kids cup!

Birthday boy

From the last week of June to the end of July time flies in a series of joyful events. We start with s's birthday, 9th this year, move to July 4th, more birthdays, 4H fair and finally, the grand-daddy of them all, Ragbrai. This year, s requested a friend stay overnight, so the party itself was a low-key event. We had a party with grandparents as well. s's biggest birthday wish was a new skateboard.