New car

Today we said goodbye to the first car we bought as a married couple, almost exactly ten years ago. Our little 2002 Kia Rio, bare bones as it was, has served us well. Even with no power stearing, power locks/windows, or air conditioning, it's been a great little car. But, it's been in the shop a lot lately and getting expensive to maintain, so we took the plunge and traded it in for a cute little 2006 Toyota Corolla. We feel good about the deal we got, and hope we can get as much if not more out of this new one than we did the Rio. 

Saying goodbye:

And saying hello:

Brayden 9 month pics

Can't believe this guy is 10 and 1/2 months!  We just absolutely adore this kid around here.  He is so much fun, so happy and friendly, he brings us so much happiness. 

Mississippi River Museum

At the end of June we went up to Dubuque and went to the Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium.  We didn't really know much about it, or what to expect, but we got a free Groupon so thought it was a fun family thing to do.  It was so much fun!

The Groupon included both of the iMax 3D/4D movies they had playing.  That was interesting and a little underwhelming.  I really don't see the big deal about them, but the girls thought it was cool.  After that we headed outside and watched a Lumberjack competition.  That was probably the highlight of the whole thing.  Then we finished up by going through the Mark Twain exhibit and touring through a big boat.

They had a bunch of these turtle things everywhere as different characters.  David was happy to find a Spock turtle.

The girls stearing the Mark Twain steamboat. 

Sailing on a raft.

The girls being turtles in the big turtle exhibit.

Inside a big fish.

They had a little raft in real water that you could pull yourself down and back...maybe 50 feet long.  The girls thought that was pretty cool.

Fourth of July!

We love the 4th of July! Nothing says summer quite like celebrating our nation's birthday with family, BBQs, fireworks, and a parade. We hit the parade first, and were so grateful for the fabulous weather. 

In the evening we went to a friend's house for a BBQ, then we headed to a nearby park for the fireworks.  Again, it couldn't have been better weather. Thank goodness for non-humid days!! We sure are grateful for this country we live in, the freedoms we have, and the people who risk their lives to protect those freedoms.

Backbone Cabin

We had the chance to get together with family at Backbone state park again this summer.  It's becoming a fun little tradition, and hope it continues!  We had lots of fun hanging around the cabin, eating tons of food, going to the beach, hiking, making a daily trek to Walmart, and of course, fishing. This year we added a little trip to Field of Dreams. Thanks to my sister Kamila for most of these amazing pictures.

Brayden had lots of fun with everyone, especially his Grandpa.

The kid eating table.  

Grandpa and 3 of his 4 grandchildren.

We all had fun playing badminton. Molly especially had fun.

The kiddos fishing.

On a family hike.

Field of Dreams.

The beach.  Probably one of the highlights for the girls.

Molly canoeing with her uncle Scott.

Emma in the beach tower with Grandpa.

 Just hanging out.