Annalise is One

 Little Annalise is such a sweet gentle girl. Saturday we got to go celebrate her first birthday with family. She seemed to enjoy her party, the people, the cake and her new fishing pole. I got to spend time with her, my parent and siblings and her parents and siblings too.

 My nephew, Jeff and his wife Tiffany are doing a great job with all three of their kids. I love being a great aunt and getting to see them when I can. When I left Weston said, "Remember to come back for my birthday!" His next birthday will be in June but he is getting ready. It was a quick trip to Mason City and well worth the drive.

Kirby and Lincoln

 Lincoln and I took Kirby for a walk on Friday morning just for fun! It gave me good exercise and gave Kirby a kennel break. Lincoln was excited to go see Kirby but disappointed that Uncle Jay and Aunt Breezy weren't home too. It was one of the most fun walks I've had all summer. Thanks for the entertainment, Boys!

Phone Shots

 Cheesy pasta at Grammy's house, its the favorite!

 Smiles, laughs and plays so sweetly

Always love some sand time

Mid-week in Des Moines

 When I scheduled a Thursday morning work meeting in Des Moines it made sense to drive down the afternoon before. Dale and I got an early morning walk around Gray's Lake rather than an early morning drive down the interstate for me. The meeting went well and the mid-week trip was great.

 Dale and I enjoyed great patio dining weather including a walk around Jordan Creek Pond and a stroll around the state capital grounds. I met a girlfriend for coffee on my way down on Wednesday and met another girlfriend for lunch on my way home Thursday. It was a fun visit, just wish gas prices would go down, way down!

Walker Time

 Walker and I got some rare one-on-one time Monday afternoon while Lincoln napped and Ashley ran some errands. We played, smiled, cuddled and cooed. When he was all done he just snuggled in and fell asleep peacefully. What a sweet and happy baby boy who is already four months old! I am enjoying him so much and love the way that he is using his hands more and more all the time.

 

Wreghitt Reunion

 This Fourth of July tradition is such a blessing to me and my family. Aunt Snooks and Sherri graciously host us every year in Clear Lake. I get to see almost all of my cousins as well as nieces and nephews and grands! I love that my kids know my aunts and cousins and Its a great joy that my grandsons know their parents' aunts, uncles and cousins too.

 Our annual walk is short some years and longer on other years. Sometimes we get a good crowd and sometimes its just a few of us but we always have fun. This year was an especially fun walk with lots of conversation and laughter. My daily walks would be more fun if I could take this crew with me every day.

 

 

 

 I love seeing the little ones play together and with the adults too. Its such a fun crew. Of course there is plenty of food and conversation throughout the entire day. Lots of people, lots of fun and lots of photos too!

 

 All of my siblings and most of their kids are always there and I love that chance to see them too. The weather was perfect this year so it was very comfortable to be outside all day long. Below is the poster that Ashley made 11 years ago. It still hangs on the wall in Aunt Snook's garage. I love the memories and still miss those who are no longer with us.

Park and Seawall Time

 Since we didn't make it to the parade this year, we met up with family in the park to kick off our Fourth of July holiday. Corn dogs and the seawall are my favorite parts of our lunch time tradition.

 We gather on benches, talk and enjoy the fried food prepared at the carnival in downtown Clear Lake then wander over to the craft fair nearby even though nobody ever seems to buy anything.

 Then we meet up at the seawall to enjoy the lake and take some photos. Not everybody comes to the park and the seawall but we catch up with them when we head to Aunt Snooks' house from there. I will be posting lots more photos from that party.