Dodge Ram vs. Coupe

Emma enjoyed opening and closing the door on the Coupe. However, when she stepped out into mud and then crawled back in, she (and the car) ended up a muddy mess.

Bounce House

John and Parker enjoyed playing in Parker's little bounce house. Between wrestling each other and throwing the balls out, the boys stayed occupied for a few moments at least. Emma wasn't too sure what to think of being in there with the boys.

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.