Waves, Sand, and Sun

For a little fun this summer, we trekked to the far corner of the state and found ourselves at the Pacific Ocean.  This trip was even more great because we were with many friends.  It's always better to build sand castles, splash, fly kites, and swim endless hours with buddies.  There were buckets, pails, moats, diving sticks, mermaids, and plenty of snacks.  For a quick get away, it was perfect. 

Plus we added to the trip with a stop at the Wildlife Trek park.  Where once a moose was seen, Jack lost all excitement and made the remainder of our time a bit of a struggle. However, Kyle loved seeing bears, cougars, caribou, and all the other animals that call the NW home. 

Farm Fleece

A small farm not far from our house noted they were having an open house the past weekend.  There was report of alpacas.  So we headed over.  Well, to our surprise, there was more than alpacas.  There were llamas, chickens, puppies, geese, turkey, and baby goats.  Plus you could feed every single one of them.  Kyle was happy to do so...except for the chickens.  Those guys were peckers. Jack kept a safe distance, although he was quite fond of the goats.  For a short Saturday morning trip, it was perfect.  We cannot wait for the next open house.

Ice Cream Faces and Super Slides

We have gotten from record highs to startling cools but summer is still in force. This means I've cream treats and playground treks. We are busy and having a blast!

Camping...Okoboji Style

Kyle went back to Iowa with Grammi and Grampi for another week at Camp Foster. She did archery, crafts, and shot beebee (also referred to as baby) guns, and loved every minute again.  This year, there was some extra fun thrown in as Rhapsody was also visiting.  They watched movies, giggled, and spent endless hours with two people who let them rule the roost.  Trips to Arnold's Park, lots of yummy eats, a play, and catching fireflies.  It was one of those weeks that is special and rare. 

This mommy personally loves that Iowa (and our special spot on the lake) is becoming just as important to Kyle.  I hope it brings her so many of the wonderful memories it brought me.

It appears big sister was not the only one having fun that week.  Jack wondered several times where his KyKy was and lost it with excitement when she came back.  However, he still found entertainment and enjoyed the spoiling for a bit.

Small Town American Pie

When we moved to our new town, everyone raved about the Fourth of July festivities.  Having now partook in our first, we were not disappointed.  Despite early morning rain drops and clouds that never quite went away, it was a good day. 

We were all up early to strategically place our chairs on the street for the parade, then watched mommy do the Run for the Pies 5K through our own backyard.  Pancake breakfast at a local church was followed by an awesome kiddie parade.  Kyle dressed the part and was thrilled to share her candy with kids.  This was after getting over the realization that the kids were not going to throw it back.  Then came the big parade with dancing horses, tractors, firetrucks, and more candy.  It was all perfect, and everyone from young to old loved it.  Grammi and Grampi even got to be there before driving back to Iowa. 

The afternoon was then spent swimming at the hotel and grilling hot dogs and salmon.  We had to add some Northwest flavor.  Both kids crashed completely around 7am so no fireworks, but next year, we will be there.  Plus visit even more of the activities that happen all around town.  It was so great to see all these people come to the place we are learning to call home...and even better was seeing people we knew while there!