Swing time

Bridget's 31st birthday

31 isn't bad at all.  The day was very mellow.  The big 4 jumped out of the tent in the morning with a surprise "Happy Birthday"  It was very sweet. I made them chocolate chip pancakes, the boys got their projects judged at Fair, and we went to the Diner Bell for supper.  I received some sweet cards, bouquet of flowers and milk duds.  All in all a great day. 

Best Pout Lip

Lost Island

Blank Park Zoo

We made it back to the zoo yesterday after not going for a couple years.  It was a beautiful day and the kids enjoyed seeing all the animals.  Our old neighbor Ani met us there, which was an extra treat.  Joanna liked the flamingos because they were pink, Max the giraffes,  Emmeric the train ride and Toby loved all the animals. 

Cave Quest

Emmeric and Max finished up Vacation Bible School tonight. They had a great time and it was made better by a Dad that helped out on stage with the singing.  The theme was Cave Quest and following Jesus in all that you do and how to watch for him everywhere in your life. 

Grotto of the Redemption

Wednesday, we made our way to West Bend, Ia and the Grotto of the Redemption.  It was a beautiful sunny day and our rock hound kids thought it was really cool.  It is the largest man made grotto in the world and took over 80 years to complete.  It has rocks, shells, fossils, and petrified wood from all over the world.  It was really amazing and somewhere we all enjoyed.  

 At the top of the Grotto

The Stations of the cross.

 The first grotto.  There are 9 each depicting a different part of Jesus' life.  

 The first grotto that was completed.  

 Inside the church next to the grotto.  The Christmas grotto, the back purple rock is a 300 pound amethyst.  

 Our hot, sweaty kids.  

Close up of some of the beautiful rocks.  The kids had fun taking pictures of their favorite rocks and places.  

Arboretum Time

The kids always have fun at the Cedar valley Arborteum.  They played in the sand, all the houses, made music and met three different types of Iowa Owls.  Of course they want to come back soon.

Happy 4th of July

Sparkler Fun

As always the kids had a blast doing sparklers last night.  They ran around the yard like crazies and back again begging for one or two or three more.  The have the biggest smiles and are then sad when it's over.