Pumpkin, Pumpkin, We Like Pumpkins...

We moved to Ames 9 years ago.  Every year since we have moved here we have gone to Centergrove Orchard in a neighboring town.  We love it!  And it has been a lot of fun seeing how the orchard has grown and changed all these years!

Neal's work had their work party there this year (and last year too!) so of course we were way excited to go!!  The nice thing about going with the City of Ames is that they feed you a meal, smores, and you get to take home a pumpkin too!  Score!

We got there at about 11:30 and it was FREEEEEEZING so we sat there shivering while we at our lunch.  Luckily about 2 hours later the sun came out and it warmed up and we ended up staying until about 6pm.  Last year we stayed until closing but came a little later in the afternoon.  Did I mention how we love this place?!

Whew! We all were exhausted and since we were close to Ankeny, we got some Olive Garden to go and then came home and ate.  And then took baths and went to bed.  Fun day!

Happy 3rd of July!

Sometimes Neal and I think our little Iowan town is a little weird.  That being said the fireworks for the 4th of July were held on the 3rd of July. Nuf said.

Adam doesn't like noises.  Keep in mind this is 1 hour before the fireworks started and other fireworks are banned in Iowa.

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Pretty

My favorite fireworks shot. It was a full moon too.

We played frisbee, baseball, and soccer while we waited.  Besides the fact that Ryan was throwing his 100th fit for the day and Adam wouldn't move or keep his fingers out of his ears it was fun.  Good thing Coby was there to have fun!

Trestle Bridge

We took the fam to go walk to the trestle bridge in Madrid, IA.  (By the way you pronounce it Mah-drid not Ma-drid like you think it is) It was way cool!  Nice exercise, it got the kids' energy out, and the lights were fun!  Nevermind that we didn't get home until after 11pm and had church at 9am.

Adam's Baptism

I can't believe my baby is 8!!!  I am so thankful that Grandma Laurel, Uncle Reid, Grandma Kristie, Grandpa John, and Cousin Coby were able to make it for his baptism!!  What a special day.  And I didn't even cry.  Out loud.