Cousins

Despite the heat, it was fun to tailgate with everyone again. 

While everyone was at the game Everlee and I decided to visit cousins Chloe and Cooper. We had a fun time playing. 

Good Times

We always enjoy visiting with Gramps! 

First day of senior year, in the books

After school we met up with grampa for happy hour. We got to here about Tyler's first day of senior year. It went good and he seems to like all of his teachers..,even if some of them are Iowa fans;)

Last First Day

This morning Tyler starts the first day of his Senior year. Which makes this the "last first day of school" picture I will take of him. We chatted about his first day of preschool with his Buzz Lightyear outfit on and NASCAR backpack. He was so excited when I walked him to school that day and said goodbye at the classroom door. 14 years later as he drives off to school I see that same nervous excitement. This next school year will hold a lot of "lasts" for him.  I'm sure the time will scream by just as the first 17 years have. And as I did those short 14 years ago, as he walks away, I will shed a tear and smile:)

Sunday

Steve holding Everlee for the first time. 

Anticipating mommy and daddy coming home from their motorcycle trip with friends and grandpa and gramma, she was all smiles! 

Saturday Fun!

Chloe gave me a manicure.

Climbing the apple tree at the park. 

Saturday afternoon we went to Caden Weirson's 4th birthday party. He is so adorable and we can't wait to see him at ISU games. 

Iowa State Fair

Friday morning while we all anxiously waited for Steve to fly in we headed back to the mall. Chloe got ready all by herself.

Can you have a smoothie at 11am for a breakfast snack? When your on vacation...YES!

She liked this game the best! You're guaranteed a prize every time. She won a sword. I'm not sure if its better than the wand from last year but at least it's more quiet;)

I can't believe she wanted to go on this ride. She was so high and smiled and laughed the whole time. 

One of the best things to do at the fair is tasting all the fair has to offer. Turkey legs, monster burgers, deep fried snickers, Mac n cheese, and ice cream. YUM!

Building race cars at the Lego stand. 

At the petting zoo

Thursday

 One last smile with daddy before we whisk Everlee off for an afternoon of fun.

One last pic with Grandma before we take all four kids to Jordan Creek. 

 Tyler holding Everlee for the first time. He did it at the mall while I was in the bathroom warming up the bottle. He must be a natural because when I came out both of them were all smiles. 

Everlee enjoyed shopping at the mall too.

Everlee rolls over!

It was a quick moment but I'm so glad we got to share this milestone with her. 

Breakfast Buddy!

It was so fun to have Emelia over this morning. At 9 months old she's so curious about everything and kept me on my toes;)

Family celebration!

What a great weekend we had getting together with our extended family. My cousin Kathy hosted us all at there acreage. We were able to meet Jason's new wife, Elizabeth and visit with aunts and uncles that we haven't seen in a while. 

Tyler and Cooper playing catch. 

Grandpa and Everlee sitting and taking a break. She was all smiles all day meeting more family and being passed around. 

Second cousins

The red headed bunch

Serious smiles

Everyone act silly!!!

One on one...Tyler won;)

Paper money?!

So when I was a kid I remember being super excited for the tooth fairy to leave "change" in exchange for a tooth. I guess with inflation, 3 teeth, and 30 years later he gives out dollar bills now;)

Little less wiser...

This morning Tyler had his 3 wisdom teeth extracted. Are you asking yourself, "why only 3?"  It is because he was only born with 3. The top right tooth was missing. Which was great for my pocketbook and Tyler's jaw. Tonight, grandma and grandpa came up to treat us to ice cream at Bob's. Which is always a great idea;). 

The nurse gave me Tyler's teeth in an envelope this morning. Tonight I put them in a cup with a small amount of water. I wonder if the tooth fairy will come one final time?!

Good company:)

After Tyler's oral surgeon appointment this morning, grandma surprised us by taking us out for a terrific lunch at Minerva's. 

Vacation at Lake Shetek

 Thursday morning we met our friends the Krier's at Steve's parents cabin. First on the agenda was tubing for the kids. Tyler and Aaron went first. Everything was fun until Steve made it his mission to rip the kids around so hard that they hit heads and never tubed again.

 Back on shore we played bean bags.

 Steve and Tyler waiting for the "big one."

 Now all four are trying to catch some fish.

 Tyler and Aaron showing off the fish they caught this weekend.

 Steve with his "big catch."

Tyler trying to catch a carp with a dip net. 

 Now Aaron and Anthony join him. They think that sounds like a good idea.

 Our first vacation with the Krier's was a fun and memorable time. As usual, we shared many laughs and plan to do it again next year.

 Geneva and Aaron were undefeated partners at beanbags.

 Scott hasn't been skiing for 25 years. After 5 tries he got up and did a great job! 

 Friday night we played dice and I won the first game!

.....and the second!