Exira Fourth of July Parade

We went to a soggy, chilly parade in Exira. John did NOT like the sirens on the firetrucks. Let me repeat that...John did NOT like the sirens on the firetrucks. In fact, he had a complete meltdown everytime he even saw one coming around the corner. Normally, that would only mean 2-3 times throughout the parade, but no. Not in this parade. There were firetrucks from at least 6 different towns...if not more...and some towns had more than one entered. That made the parade last even longer.

We ran into our friend Erin McFadden and his kids Molly and Mason. I helped their candy cause by having John run more candy to them across the street. Erin wasn't too thrilled with my plan. Sorry! (not really)

Kristi and Parker were in the parade throwing out freeze pops. We saved those to refreeze and eat later since it was so cold.

"That's John! Like me! A John Deere!" Emma was a trooper though, except when I pulled a whole tootsie roll (wrapper and all) out of her mouth. YUCK!

Sparklers and Worms

Kristi and Charles brought some small fireworks, sparklers, and worms (or something like that) to the campground. John enjoyed any that didn't make loud noises.

Nighttime Fun

Parker and John had fun playing with Parker's classic coupe. They had fun taking turns pushing each other in it. Crazy that they were having to wear long sleeves in July!

Emma and Bella

When Charles and Kristi arrived at the campground on Friday night, it was all wet and rainy. Parker and Bella came in to our camper for awhile. Emma was completely enamored with Bella and kept patting her head. It's great for John and Emma to have cousins so close to their age.

Biking Buddies

While camping at Albert the Bull Campground in Audubon with Scott's family, Scott took the kids for a bike ride. Fortunately, they made it back before the rain started.

One Stylin' Babe

Pajamas, John's shoes (that light up!), and the big, green pacifier

We're Expecting...

a niece or nephew in January. My brother Matt and his wife Jackie are expecting their first baby in January, and we are so excited! Matt and Jackie told me about it at Andrea and Philip's wedding and I kept it a secret from Scott until we met them at Village Park for a picnic lunch the next week.

John and Emma were trying to get the leaves, so Matt lowered the branch slightly.

Check out these chunky legs!

Cool dude!

Matt and Scott entertained John by throwing the soccer ball over the shelter and watching for where it would land. Jackie and I didn't appreciate the loud crashing noises on the metal shelter. Emma, on the other hand, didn't care because she kept trying to wander away.

Fun with Floaties

John enjoyed swimming using his floaties for the first time.

Special note: John still wears his size 18 month swimsuit even though he's now almost 4.

Bikini Babe

Emma wore the swimsuit my grandparents got me from Hawaii a LONG time ago. Isn't she adorable? We're going to have to have a little lesson about leaving the ties alone though.

Easily Entertained

It's good to know that our kids are so easily entertained. While eating at Pizza Ranch (actually inside the mall because it was so packed), the kids had fun watching the coins go down the funnel.

Photo Shoot

During the reception (also held in the church), the kiddos were running around. We actually got them to sit...for a little bit. Family vacation is going to be fun in August.

Emma & John W., Drew Gaskill, Luke Vander Hart, Landon DeJong

Photographer for Hire

As the wedding started, John decided he needed to take pictures. Mom let him use her camera. Soon after the wedding started, both John and Emma went to the nursery to play.

Congratulations, Philip and Andrea Van Dyken!

My "little" cousin Andrea got married. Once a week in college, I would go to my aunt and uncle's house to do laundry and get a delicious, home-cooked meal. Andrea would come home from school, and we'd have an "after-school" snack and watch some TV together - I Love Lucy and Saved by the Bell were a few of the shows we watched. Now Andrea's MARRIED! Crazy how time flies. I was honored to pin flowers on (most of) the wedding participants...and I didn't even poke anyone!

The DeJong Family - Uncle Dennis and Aunt Pam
Allison DeJong and fiancee Greg Peters
Travis and Tami DeJong, Dillan, Landon, and Aaron
Andrea and Philip VanDyken

The introduction of Philip and Andrea Van Dyken

Swimming

John and I took our first trip to the Altoona Aquatic Center yesterday afternoon while Scott and Emma took afternoon naps. It's a zero-entry pool and very nice. There are some sprinklers and a slide for small kids, as well as 3 bigger slides. John won't be tall enough for those for quite awhile though since kids need to be at least 48 inches tall. He had lots of fun jumping off the side to me, and it was a great way to stay cool.

John had so much fun that we headed back today after Emma's nap - 95 degree days are good days to stay cool at the pool, except that everyone else has the same idea. Scott dropped us off while he went to work out at Anytime Fitness. Emma wasn't as fond of the water. She held onto me nearly the entire time. Hopefully she gets over that quickly.

I think we'll head back to the pool tomorrow, but we're going to try going later. Hopefully it won't be so crowded then.