Water Snake

Iowa is roasting!

 It has been so hot lately, most days getting into the 100's. Since we no longer have a swimming pool we decided to splurge and get a water snake to cool us off on these HOT HOT days.

We took the snake out for the first time today. We went out at 10:00 and it was already 90 degrees!!

The kids had a blast! But we only lasted about 30 minutes outside before it was way too hot and humid :( We wouldn't have lasted that long without the water snake to cool us off though...so thank you water snake for making it possible for us to be outside!!

We Love To Do The Zoo!

Today:

Cole and Ellie found a new tunnel and made friends with a Japanese Macaque,

our giraffe friends returned,

we made friends with the new sea lions,

rode the zoo train,

and Ellie crossed the swinging bridge for the very first time! With the help of her loving brother of course :) Cole held her hand the whole time.

Another great day at the Blank Park Zoo!!

Roughin' It

Happy Father's Day!!

The best daddy in the world got a tent for Father's Day from the most adorable kids in the world :)

And it's just the right size!

(And apparently fits in our living room)

We love you Daddy!! You are the best and we are so lucky to have you!

Saturday is a special day...

I love Iowa's crazy weather! We danced in the rain this afternoon...

 ...and a few hours later we were at a drive-in theater!!

T-ball, dancing, and a drive-in movie...what a perfect day!!!

The next Jeter?!

Cole finally found a sport that he loves. He started t-ball this summer! 

 He was so excited for his first game. He chased every ball that was hit, threw like a champ, and practiced his swing. He had so much fun and says he can't wait for his next game.  His baseball lovin' daddy was pretty proud :)

Elise wanted to get out on the field as well, but she didn't make it past the dugout this year. Next year El's!

Union Park

Union Park is open for the summer!! 

This is one of our favorite parks, and I think we will be here a lot this summer since we don't have a pool anymore. We love the splash pad...especially with our good friends Morgan, Addie, Aubrey and Eli!

And what's better than a splash pad at a park? One with a carousel!

Birthdays and Bowling

We went birthday bowling for my bday today! 

 Cole loved it...

 and Ellie loved the music! She didn't stop dancing all night...

...even to bowl the ball :)

 To make a great night perfect, Ben made me cheesecake!!!

Ben invited a few of our good friends over to share the cheesecake...and make fun of me for my age :)

He also gave me a new camera!! He really outdid himself this year.

It was a perfect birthday!!