Sturgis Falls Celebration

 It was a great day for a parade. This may have been my first Sturgis Falls parade but when Ashley called to tell us where they were and invite us to join them I said, "Yes." I am so glad we went. Lincoln loves a parade and Walker seemed to enjoy parts of it also. Lincoln waved at people and interacted with those that approached him. Parades are exciting.

  After the parade we all strolled to Overman Park to enjoy lunch and music. It was a perfect day to enjoy the celebration, so nice that we went back again on Sunday to enjoy the worship music, lunch and music from Les Miserable.

 Mini donuts may have been the favorite food. We got them on Saturday and on Sunday; yummy, warm and sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Last year we were celebrating Jay and Briana's wedding on Sturgis Falls weekend. The year has gone so quickly. I'm already looking forward to next year's Sturgis Falls Celebration.

Kirby's Here

My grandpuppy Kirby is spending the week with me while his parents travel and enjoy Colorado. Kirby can easily keep up with me on any walk. His legs are little but he's got lots of energy. He loves to play and he loves to nap but mostly he loves being very close to people. He's enjoyed Dale lots this weekend but he's going to be stuck with just me for a few days. I think we'll do just fine

Littles in Mason City

  Kaley her little ones traveled from Ohio this week so Ashley and I were anxious to make the trip to Mason City to spend a day with them. It's so good to see them and sweet to have the kids together. Brecken is 3 and a half, Lincoln is 2 and a half, Saela is one and a half and Walker is three months. It was a busy wonderful day!

 We headed to East Park to feed the ducks but the geese got in our way so we spent more time feeding the deer. We even got to see Dan who works in the park. How cool is that? The kids were very excited to see him.

 Saela did a great job of enjoying the bread for the ducks and deer. She is so adorable just toddling around with the bigger kids.

 It was fun to meet my parents, great grandparents to the little ones, for a pizza lunch but those pictures were a mess. We loved having time to just hang out together at the house too. I love the fact that the kids will interact with everyone. This picture was right after nap when the big boys were taking a little time to wake up.

 Dan and Jill cooked out for us after they got home from work. I loved having time to hang out with them too. The boys enjoyed meeting Jill's chickens. The bonus of the day was Weston's t-ball game at 6. Its been years since I have been to a t-ball game and it brought back memories of Jay and Jeff playing little league at those same diamonds in Mason City.

 Weston did a great job and does a special wide run after he crosses home which is great for his fans. Walker did a great job at the game too. Just so fun to see my brother's grandchildren and have mine there too. It was a wonderful day. I'm so glad that Kaley came to Iowa for a long summer visit. We miss her but they are so good about making the trip back home. It's so sweet to be connected to these little great nieces and nephews.

Kelly Jo

In the middle of my wonderful Monday in Mason City surrounded by family I got away for a couple of hours for some wonderful face to face time with one of my dearest and oldest friends. I love seeing myself through Kelly's eyes and so appreciate her wisdom and humor. I have been blessed with amazing friends...some for over forty years. Amazing blessings. More about that wonderful family time coming soon.

Summer Food

 My summer taste buds are very different than other times of the year. I enjoy cold meals and the better tasting fruits. I haven't made soup for a couple of months. The blue cheese and blueberries together were surprisingly delicious on the bed of spinach and lettuce. Protein, fruit and crunchy make any salad even better.

 I've eaten two watermelons this week with very little help. I should probably look up the nutritional information on this yummy summer fruit. I think the calories are minimal and the water content is high. I also think it's probably high in natural sugars. All of those things cannot be correct. I'll check before I go buy another one.

 

Family Market

Saturday morning was great fun with the entire family meeting at the Farmers Market. Ashley made the suggestion and we were all glad that the rain cleared so we could enjoy our morning. We at breakfast from our favorite vendor, relaxed in the park and browsed Main Street Cedar Falls.

Walker really was out of the stroller lots, I just didn't get a photo at that time. I should have taken one of Briana carrying him downtown. It was such a fun morning. I just love these simple gatherings!

Skinny Chunky Monkey

 

I wouldn't recommend these cookies but they seemed like a good idea on a rainy afternoon. They looked yummy and healthy so we thought we would try them. Running and splashing in the puddles was lots more fun, even in light rain.

I asked for Lincoln's help smashing the bananas and when I offered him the fork he said that he would just use his hands. It was a good choice. It worked very well and it was lots more fun than the fork. He enjoyed the smashing and the stirring but Lincoln wouldn't recommend these cookies either. He only took one bite.

They have very healthy ingredients. Ours certainly do not look like the photo but that's ok. This will be the last time we make these. It did look like a good idea.

Friday on the Hill

 The College Hill Art Festival is one of my favorite summer events. I rarely buy anything but love looking at the art that is beautiful but out of my price range. This year I invited Ashley and the boys to come with on Friday afternoon. I think that the music was the highlight for Lincoln and Walker. They both listened intently.

 The UNI campus is such a great shady location for the festival and we took a little time to relax in the grass. Lincoln leaned back and said, "I tired, Grammy." Walker just smiled lots and enjoyed the fresh air.

Why

Why did I keep this thing? Why did I ever use it? It's been years since it touched my eyelashes and it was still in my top bathroom drawer. I usually pride myself in getting rid of things that I don't use unless they hold some sentimental value. I am not sure how this eyelash curler escaped the garbage until now. More importantly, why does my bathroom still look like 1968? When I bought this house I had planned to update the bathroom in the first months but I rarely notice it now. Maybe its time to think about that update again.

Wet Woods

 The weather has been quite unstable this week with lots of heat, humidity, wind, storms and rain. Mowgli and I ventured into the woods on Wednesday afternoon and found that the trails were damp but not muddy in many places. Black Hawk creek is swollen from the rain and the bugs are starting to claim their place at the top of the food chain. I am grateful for the other hikers who brought the blocks for walking the wet spots. Unfortunately Mowgli prefers the short cut and doesn't use the blocks often. I may be in the woods less often in the next few months thanks to the bugs, continued rain and rising waters.

Block Building

Sometimes I build towers and castles with the blocks even when there are no children in the house. Its fun to see their reaction. Some might say that I have too much time on my hands but I did it for my kids thirty years ago too. I have to admit its enjoyable to build without the threat of a "knock down" attack by a two year old. I could never get this much built up with "help."

Camera Time

Sometimes I feel like we don't get enough photos. I know we probably click the shutter more than most families but I love to get out the camera when we are just hanging around like we did on Saturday to capture some smiles and sweetness.

 

Its always nice when Walker can be outside too. He's even big enough to enjoy a little time in the turtle tot under the shade tree. I love relaxing moments with my family at home and I am happy to have a few photos too.

 

Morning Movie

 Walker and Lincoln went to their first on Monday morning and I was thrilled to go with them. It was a special summer children's show at 10 AM. Both boys had been to movies with us as newborns but this was for Lincoln. Walker seemed to enjoy it just as much! Lincoln and I loved the popcorn. He ate all of his and I ate all of mine. I think we may go to another movie this summer.