County Fair, July 24, 2012

We went to the Johnson County Fair. This is Olivia walking through the cow barn:

The kids got to pretend they were farmers. They plant corn:

They harvest corn, feed the corn to the animals, and harvest products from the animals:

Face painting:

Their favorite part of the Fair was getting goody bags, and candy/trinkets from all the vendors.

At the Beach, July 9, 2012

July 9, 2012

It has been very hot this summer. Record highs. Average temperatures are in the 90's. So we've been to the North Liberty pool a few time, and the kids begged to go to the beach. So here we are at Kent Park Beach, about 20 min from our house in Tiffin.

It is nice that the 3 youngest can put on life vests and then stay afloat and play on their own. They like the feeling that they can swim all by themselves. Even Finn, at age 2 1/2 is off on his own! Quite impressive.

Grace:

Annabelle:

Grace, Olivia, Finn:

Annabelle and Jonah building a castle... or waterway?

We had a great time!

Cousins -July 5, 2012

This is July 5th. A day to just play and relax for a while before heading home.

Jasper, Annabelle, Grace, Saffi, Violet hiding, Olivia:

We went to a farm to see the goats and pigs. Emmeline picked some up so we could pet them.

Lunch on the veranda:

4th of July 2012

The fireworks we actually did on July 3rd. the 4th of July started with a picnic breakfast at the park with the ward.

Bottom row: Emmeline, Annabelle, Mia. Top: Grace and Saffi

After breakfast, we walked through the woods a bit:

Saffi and Annabelle:

Jonah was the first to cross this particular small gully.

Then the girls followed, not to be outdone. The crossed on their bottoms, scooting inch by inch. It was cute to see them all in a line, their scoots synchronized. 

Back at the house, the kids played and played. 

And dressed up. And made up routines.

Later that night, a party was held at the park in honor of Joe Cheney's retirement and birthday. There was popcorn, shaved ice and cake. And music and dancing! Our girls danced the night away!

Jasper:

Ethan and Schafer:

Independence Day Fireworks

We went to Ames for Independence Day.

Violet and Olivia are inseparable. They dress alike and do everything together. Grandma Susan calls them Thing 1 and Thing 2.

All the girls still enjoy playing dress up. Here is Grace and Saffi.

Finn, Arne and Jasper.

Justus provided hand-held fireworks and helped the kids fire them off. They each got a turn. Even the youngest. Here Justus is helping Finn while Gavin watches.

Jonah, Schafer, Justus, Finn, Gavin. The boys stayed near the fireworks and smoke the longest. They love this stuff!

Later that night we went to watch the city firework display. Here is Finn with a sparkler.

Fun night!