Using What You Got

We love to preach recycling, cleaning/picking up after others, and all green things in our house. Our lovely daughter Taylor took that to another level a few weeks ago when she decided to make a robot out of recycled or used materials she found around the house.

The best thing about this was it was all her idea and the work was done completely by her.

Raining Independence

Well, it was a great fourth of July week despite the weather at times. We were blessed to have Amy's sister and her family in town all week from DC. This gave much needed playing time with their son Rafe and our kids. Taylor and Amy hung out with Jenn and Rafe Monday and Tuesday, the boys spent the night with Rafe on Wednesday, and we all hung out Saturday.

Amy and I were able to enjoy a day off of work on Friday to hang out with the kids all day. This consisted of attending the boys' final swim lesson in the morning with doughnuts at the Tipton Bakery to follow. After our breakfast, we headed over to the Cedar Bluff park area where we enjoyed playing at park and taking a nice hike through the woods and along the Cedar River. We then went into Iowa City in the evening and enjoyed some fabulous pizza at Pagliai's and wonderful music at Jazz Fest. The plan was to to top off the night by watching fireworks in Kalona at the Shilo Amphitheater. The kids had been looking forward to it all night, we had the snacks ready, and drove all the way down there to find out they postponed until Saturday night due to forecasted rain. We were all truly bummed.

Kinnick later summed up the rain and cancelled fireworks with the following words (with arms crossed in front): "When I get up to the clouds I'm going to have to have a talk with God about this rain!"

The 4th started off the same as the night before ended. Rain! However, we and the Marietta's are two tough families and were not going to let a little (or a LOT) rain stop us from attending the Coralville 4th of July parade, which we have made an annual ritual. So, following breakfast at Grandma Sue and Grandpa Jeff's house, the kids collected their soggy candy and we enjoyed the wet parade as much as we could. After the parade everyone headed to our house to enjoy the rest of the day together as family.

We had a great time and enjoyed an obstacle course, scavenger hunt, and delicious food.

Videos of the obstacle runs are coming soon. Above is a picture of Amy finishing the obstacle course as she ran the trial run for everyone to follow.

Safety First

Taylor, her good friend Skylar, and about 200 other kids spent the last couple of weeks at Grant Wood Elementary in Iowa City for Safety Camp.

This is fabulous program put on by emergency services, the school, and many other volunteers. During the two weeks, the children learn about safety with regards to electricity, traffic, fire, strangers, weather, etc.

The most exciting part of Safety Camp is the Safety Village that is built behind the school. This Village consists of city streets (and cars) with pavement markings, traffic signals, traffic signs, a railroad crossing, as well as numerous buildings including a replica Old Capitol.

This place was really fantastic. On the last day of camp, parents were invited for a one hour tour of what the kids do on a daily basis at camp, as well as tour the Village.

Taylor was lucky enough to be in the same Orange group as Skylar, which they truly loved.

Tay's brother's were definitely jealous when they found out she was able to wear a true fireman suit.

What a wonderful program that we would recommend to everyone. Tay is already looking forward to next year and we can't wait to get the boys enrolled. God knows that the boys definitely need to learn about safety!

How Fast They Grow

In catching up over the past several weeks, we have had a couple of major end of the year events with the kids. First of all, Taylor had her dance recital to end her year long dance classes. Taylor was blessed to have both sets of grandparents as well as her Aunt Beth come to the recital as well as go out for dinner prior to the show.

Mom fixed her hair up all nice with curls, and of course she was the cutest girl in the building.

The dresses were certainly entertaining and the costumes adorable.

We are very proud of Tay for both her dance recital and her first year of school in which she was a fabulous success.

In the morning on the same day as Tay's recital, the boys had graduation from their daycare/preschool.

Though we thought they were graduating in hopes to be joining the pre-kindergarten class at West Branch Elementary, it appears the class will not be available due to lack of room and staff at the school.

So, we're not exactly sure where the boys will be in the fall yet as they are right on the cut-off date for birthdays and kindergarten. Either way, the ceremony and the whole morning were wonderful to watch and very enjoyable.

The kids sang several songs together, presented themselves in front of everyone at the speaker, and walked up front to receive their diplomas. Following the ceremony was cake and treats as part of the celebration. We too are very proud of the boys and look forward to whatever the future brings in the fall as they will bring a smile to our face no matter what.

The Great Outdoors - Closing

One of the other activities we all loved to particpate in was archery. This used to be one of my favorite things as a kid going to camp here, and I still really enjoyed it.

This again was Amy's first time shooting a bow, but she looked like she had been doing it for years as she nailed three bullseyes.

Of course the boys loved this activity.

And we have even talked about putting a target up in our yard sometime in the future.

Taylor looks like a natural here again.

Looking back at the trip, it was a wonderful chance to spend time together as a family and enjoy the outdoors, nature, and several activities that one may not get to do too often. We also enjoyed spending time with my sister's family and I had a ball being back at a camp where I still hold many wonderful memories.

The Great Outdoors - Part 3

Following set-up, taking a canoe ride, and climbing the tower, we had to make our way to the horses. Taylor had been waiting for this moment since we first discussed the trip. And she loved it!

Tay looked like a natural on the horse as she went a couple of different times.

Kinnick thought it was fun and enjoyed posing with the councilor referred to as "Boomer".

No matter what he is doing, Carver always has time for a picture with his mischievous smile.

Even Amy was able to take a ride at the end of the day. This was her first time on a horse, and they rearranged the ropes and saddle so she could ride around on her own which was nice.

The horses were absolutely beautiful as we all had a ball riding, petting, feeding, and even snuggling.....This is my nephew Logan playing around with one of the horses.

The Great Outdoors - Part 2

Part 2 is known as "The Tower". A new feature to Camp Abe Lincoln (since I was a kid) is a 50' high climbing tower, consisting of foot pegs, rope ladders, moving vertical logs, etc. It was REALLY cool, and difficult!


Of course, the first one of our family to go up was our daredevil son, Carver. Here he is with the classic pose before he goes on his journey.

Look how small he looks as he ascends up the tower. It was amazing how well he did!

Here is a picture as he repels down from his climb. The councilor, Pappa Smurf, was guiding him down.

Of course, he had to show how tough he was following the climb.

Well, Mom and Dad couldn't be shown up by our 4 year old kid, so we took had to take on the challenge.

Amy was awesome as you can see her victory wave as she reached the top of the tower.

Here I am ascending as I chose a different path to travel (three options w/ various difficulty).

This path included a rope ladder that moved as you climbed.

Once I reached the top, I took enjoyed a free ride back down to the ground via Pappa Smurf.

This was a great activity and we really enjoyed it. Taylor and Kinnick plan on trying themselves next time we visit.