July 2021

 Summer flies by but as I take the time to look through our phones (sadly the camera doesn't seem to come out as much as I would like it too...the phone is just to easy to use) I realize that we are great at using each part of our day to make the most of the hot steamy weather.  Andy surprised me with paddle boards and we used them so much this summer.  I have quickly realized it's one of my favorite ways to slow down, use my body, and be with nature on the water. Grandma Nel joined me one morning and she got the hang of it too!

In between lake time and work we found ourselves harvesting and weeding the garden, having friends over, Arnold's Park, celebrating with family over the 4th, fishing, and enjoying some camps.

Potato Harvest 2021

Boys jumping off the boat

Bennett got a whole day with a few of his friends, dock jumping, ice cream, and arnold's park

Northwestern Basketball Camp for Marie with her friends

Family Campout

Our neighbor had been serving for nearly a year over seas- we were so happy for them to welcome him home in July!

Andy spent a day doing one-on-one activities with the kids - jet ski with Marie, Frisbee Golf with Bennett, and fishing with Brooks.

Mom and the boys backyard camping

Drive-In move night is one of our favorites...even if mom and dad fall asleep :)

Guitar Camp for Bennett

We welcomed and the Dickes family for a weekend-filled with baseball, Aronolds Park, and boating.

Beets!

Bennett kindly taught mom how to play chess...Rex lending emotional support

Driveway fireworks were a hit yet again!

Marie participated in a musical theatre camp this summer again-brave girl had a solo and enjoyed the experience. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brooks and Bennett both did sailing camp this year too - unfortunately the weather has to be just right for the boats to go out but each boy did get some time on the little sailboats. 

Oh what fun June can be...

 June is FULL

June is FULL!  There is no other way to put it.  We had baseball, boating, Arnold's Park, golfing, Marie's Birthday, Andy & Kelly's anniversary, Bennett's birthday, and Kelly's birthday.  Even though it is full, we live out every day as much as we can!

The boys spent a lot of time golfing with Andy and Joe.  One night they took mom along and we had so much fun hitting range balls.

Andy surprised me with paddle boards this summer!   We had a blast taking them to new locations all summer.  The kids got very good at navigating and balancing.  It is so peaceful on the water especially early in the morning.

We are so thankful we get to share as much time together on the water...boating is definitely a fun part of our summer.  The kids have become so brave with our new toys...especially the ZUP board.

We always have to take a trip for fresh strawberries!  It's always a delicious time and the kids work quickly!

Nathan participated in the Iron Man race in Des Moines, we went along to cheer with Maxine.  The weather was not cooperative but he did it!  It was fun to be in Des Moines for a weekend too.

Bennett got his seafood for his birthday meal!   Happy #9 dude!

We celebrated our 15th anniversary together this summer - so we exhausted ourselves with a day full of adventure - paddle boarding, biking, skiing and boating.  We wrapped up the day on the boat with the kids.

#12 for Marie!  She enjoyed an Okoboji afternoon with her friends at the park and swimming with their clothes on!

We also were able to host the Van Meeteren family for a hot weekend in June.  They loved the boat and we swam all over the lakes, grabbed ice cream, and even went fishing before they left town. It was a wonderful visit and we hope they come back soon!