August part 1: The beginning

The Pool

With having a community pool, we couldn't miss our chance to go at least once. My original plan this summer was to get summer passes and go a few times, but that never happened. So I'm glad we at least got to go once. The kids had a fun time. Kaliya wasn't too keen on the water, she kept climbing out of the wading pool and enjoyed walking around instead. The boys, however, loved going into the 'deeper' pool with Jared. Laken could just barely touch. I'm hoping that next year we can get him (and maybe Carter) some swim lessons.

You know you live in Iowa....

Sweet Corn Days

One weekend, the town had a fun festival. Friday night there were games for kids to play and we actually got Laken to participate in one - Tug-of-war! Of course he wouldn't go alone so Jared went and stood by him. It was fun watching him pull. But when the other side started pulling harder, Laken didn't like it and let go instead. After the kid games we got a hawaiian ice and then watched a presentation on the different wildlife in the area. So we were able to learn about skunks, raccoons, opossums, and such. After that, we were able to watch a magic show. Laken was really into that. He sat in the stroller the entire time without making a peep and watched the magician intently. After his show we were able to watch some fireworks. (It made me chuckle that the town didn't have a 4th of July fireworks show but did have a sweet corn days fireworks show.)

Saturday morning there was a parade down Center St. The boys came prepared with a bag to put candy in and walked away with quite a bit. They enjoyed watching the tractors that came through and Laken counted the tires on each one. There was also quite a collection of firetrucks that were in the parade. Just about every small nearby town had at least 2 firetrucks come by. I think we counted 13 in all. After the parade, there was free sweet corn and a balloon artist.

Laken in a game of tug-of-war.
The boys watching the parade.
Kaliya enjoying her sweet corn.

The boys with their fun balloons. Unfortunately Carter's sword popped. He was so sad that I made Jared get in line to get another one for him.

Movie night

One night I decided to let the boys stay up a little later than usual. We made a fort in their room, brought our tv in there and let them watch Frozen before going to bed. 

The Beach

If you live near a lake you have to go to the beach a few times in the summer. We checked out a new public beach this time on our way home from church. The kids had fun, but not as much fun as other times and it was super hot. So we didn't stay too long.

Play Date

A few friends from church invited me and the kids on a 'play date' at a fun little donut shop. The kids learned how to make donuts and were able to make their own and eat them.

The boys enjoying some free donut holes.