Grandpa's Co-Captain

A few weekends ago we took Paige out for her first boat ride and sandbar venture. I think she looks great as Grandpa's Co-Captain!

She was in heaven on the boat ride. Loved this side profile of Troy and his mini-me.

Our friends Wes, Kristi & their daughter Ava headed out on the river with us too. They also have another little girl, Libby, but she stayed back w/ Grandma Goldsmith. She's only 8 months old.

Her first time on a sandbar. She wasn't to sure of the sand right away, but quickly came to love it!

This picture cracks me up. I feel like she's saying, "Um Mom, I'm not sure if that sand or poop back there, but can ya get over here and help me out?"

The funnest part of the sandbar....being buried alive!

Couldn't help but snap this pic.....adorable!

Dyersville White Sox #1

I'm not sure if there is anything more adorable than a bunch of 5 year olds playing T-Ball. By far the highlight of my last 6 Saturday mornings. Go Sox!!!

Been working on this form all year long! And it paid off. She got on base after EVERY hit this year. (Note: everyone got on base after every hit this year!)

You're looking the wrong way kid.....the batter is over there! Oh well, at least she's not building a sand castle in the dirt like the last game!

Dyersville White Sox Bat Girl....isn't she adorable!

Good game guys....you played your little hearts out!

WHITE SOX ARE #1

And finally....coach of the year with his little super star! Good season you too!

Trip to Des Moines

I want to start this post off by thanking Tim & Shana for letting us invade their house for 4 days. Our bank account thanks you dearly for letting us crash at your place instead of getting a hotel.

Between Paige taking over Tim's office, Lauren & Reese taking over your daycare room, Troy & I taking over Cole's room and Lauren's 11 pm tummy ache accident on the mattress, I'm sure you were all glad to see us leave!!!

(Special thanks goes out to the Aunt & Uncle of the Year for helping me clean up their niece Adventure land belly ache!!!)




Award winning ride for the day goes to the Raging River. This ride never seizes to amaze me. One boat can go thru literally unscathed, while the next boat returns to the starting line looking like they just got out of the bath tub! As hard as it was for me to pass up on this ride, I'm glad I did, cause I got some great pics of the group!

Group #1 (a.k.a. The losing group):

Group #2 came out dry as can be:

The girls waiting in line for the Frogger ride:

Second favorite ride......The Bumper Cars!!! Check out the look on Tate's face riding w/ Lauren! HA!

The only pic I was able to get at the Adventureland Waterpark. I have to say, the waterpark was a huge favorite of all of ours! We spent more time there than we did at the amusement park. We will definitely be going back!

Our first day in Des Moines, we headed to the Science Center. The kids really had a good time!

After the science center, while the little ones were taking naps, Shana and I took the older kids to the Carlisle pool for some fun and sun! The Dyersville pool has been closed so far this summer for a number of reasons, vandalism & safety concerns over people slipping and falling on the newly painted pool, so my kids have been dying to get to a pool. They had a great time.

Finally, on Saturday morning, we joined our friend BJ's for the Des Moines Heart Association Heart Walk. Lots of food and games for the kids as well as a 3 mile walk. Very touching to listen to some of their stories, most touching for me was the one of a little boy born w/ a heart condition. Made watching my kids walk those 3 miles such a blessing. We are all so lucky to have healthy children. Thanks BJ for your work putting this event together!

A life size operation board.....pretty cool!

Finally, all the Wartburg Juniors (minus Charlie, we couldn't find him!) Sorry Charlie!