4th of July Fun!

I never realized how special 4th of July in Iowa was until we tried to get Robby home from Phoenix flying standby a week before the holiday.  Now it might just have been that some of the big name political candidates stopping through Iowa in preparation for the upcoming election attracted an unsual number of people from other states.  Or it's that there's nothing like 4th of July in a small Midwest town - small town pancake breakfasts followed by parades, picnics with grilled goodies, and to top it all off, fireworks, oh and family, of course!  I really think the flights were full because people were flocking home for a grand ole' time in Iowa.  In the end, Robby stayed an extra 4 days in the extreme heat of Phoenix due to full flights.  Luckily he got home in time for the festivities.

We began the day with a ward pancake breakfast followed by the town parade...

Jenna and Olivia were pleased as punch because they got to ride on a float!

This was the dance studio float.

Robby walked in the parade also along side the Library Bookmobile with all the Summer Library Volunteers.

In the afternoon, we joined Kjell and Linley for dinner at their place.  We didn't grill, but I know there were plenty of people who did.

And the 4th of July wouldn't be complete without fireworks! 

It was late, we were tired, but it was certainly worth it!

A new suit!

He looks sharp, doesn't he?!

Swim Lessons!

Jenna and Olivia thinks this is the greatest two weeks of the summer because they get to go to the pool 4 days out of the week!  I think I officially have two little fish, or rather fish wannabes since their still perfecting their strokes!

 

Recital!

As I am sure anyone who has been in a recital before knows, getting your costume is one of the most exciting days!  Jenna and Olivia were dying to dance in costume (with make-up).  To appease their desires we started the week with a fashion session at home...

No buns yet!  Poor Olivia didn't get a bun in her hair so she didn't get to use the hair accessory.

On to recital day...

Backstage on their mats.  This is where the kids waited for their numbers.  All 80 kids age 7 and under!

I was a stage mom for J and O's class for this show which was at noon, and then I performed in the 4pm and 7pm shows.  I was so exhausted after chasing kids during the morning performance that I almost didn't have it in me to perform during the other two shows.  Three shows in one day is enough to do in a person!

This is just one of many young children's classes.

On stage!  They did awesome!

I wish I had video of what a great little horn player Olivia was.

 

After the show their admirers (Daddy, Robby, and Baby) gave them roses!  

This is my number.  Although I don't expect for you to be able to pick me out, I am in the front row,  just to the right of center (my head is just to the left below the point of the beads hanging from the backdrop.  Can you see me?)

Me, after my performances!

And with my honey, who made all of this possible with his hard work to pay for our classes.  Thank you, honey!  You're the greatest!

(I had a few other cute pics with the family, but they had Baby in them so unfortunately I can't share them on the blog.  Sorry.) 

Swim Season Is Here!

We actually hit the 90s last week here in IA.  I guess much of the country was experiencing an early blast of what August will be like.  Of course we didn't mind since it gave us a great excuse to go to the city pool.  If only it didn't cost me $18 to get myself and the kids in the door.  One of these years I will get a pass when I can muster up enough courage to take the kids more than once a week.  Really it's all the prep work just to get out the door to get there (primarily the sunscreening) that deters me.  Even so, they have a blast!

Sad to say, but I didn't really pay attention to how small this swimsuit was until I saw Jenna's tan line after we got home.  Let's just say we were only millimeters to indecency!

Playing with the new camera

I felt pretty lucky because I was able to get into a local 2 1/2 hour intro to DSLR photography class right after I got my camera and lenses.  I am SO glad I took it because I was able to learn some basics that have helped me to shoot without using the complete auto settings.  Our instructor recommended that we shoot in Aperture Priority and I have decided I am going to force myself to do just that until I can appropriately set the camera the first time and not after many test shots.  I'm getting better, but still need lots of practice.  

So here's a short photo shoot I did with my girls right after church a couple weeks ago.  Really this wasn't the best time of day, but I didn't want to have to change them into dresses again later in the day when the light was more favorable.  So you get what you get!

Yup, you get what you get!  Here is the true O'sie!

Hey girls, why don't you peek from behind the tree.  (O'sie has her own plan, but Jenna's going to make it work!)

Catch me if you can!  

Memorial Day Fun!

As the day started we had no particular plans.  In fact, Robby was going to go to the office and I was going to figure out how to occupy my four kiddos and perhaps get a few things done around the house.  Then spontaneity struck and we decided to attend the local parade with our longtime friends the Linley and Kjell and their four kids.  After the parade, our little party of 12 decided that a bike ride around the lake with a picnic lunch would be great.  And by the end of the day we went to their house for dinner and a very impromptu FHE.

Our little parade spectators

Grant shows that patriotic spirit!

These two boys don't smile at the same time, or at least for the camera they don't!

Part of our bike party

Here Jenna shows off our latest edition - the trail-a-bike!  It's great because we can all go on long bike rides now with the little girls riding in the burley trailer hauled by Robby or Li'l Robby.  Oh, and the trail-a-bike is attached to my new bike.  I've decided I really like bike rides!

No ride around the lake is complete without throwing a few rocks in the lake  (as long as your friend or sibling is not in the path of your rock -- we had two kids hit in the head with rocks)

I think this is the beginning of a great summer!