First Day of School

So it was kind of spur of the moment...but we started Viv in school this year. I had her signed up to do a Parent's Day Out program two days a week but a new school opened up in Marion that she could attend 5 days a week in the mornings and we just couldn't pass up the opportunity. So we made a quick decision and signed her up! It's been a week now and we still have a few tears at drop off but what I hear from the teachers is that she is doing amazing. 

I think we made the right decision! She's not sitting at home watching TV...or tackling Rowan constantly. Maybe he'll learn to crawl without her interference. I have some quiet time and one on one time with Rowan...it's a win win all around! 

Yes! 

Life at the Lake

We trekked north a couple of weeks ago to visit Lake Cornelia for a long weekend. We stay at mom's friend's cabin...it's rustic but comfy and meets our needs. We went last year as well but it was too cold to enjoy the water....in August! We were hoping for better weather this time....and we got it...sort of. We drove up Thursday and it was hot and humid. Viv and I enjoyed playing in the water. She really seemed to enjoy herself. I bought a stand up paddle board at Costco before we went...not completely realizing it was a youth size. I didn't get to stand up on it but it served for a makeshift canoe and we enjoyed floating around on it. Viv is very good at telling me where to go/paddle...she loves to point and tell me to go 'this way'. 

She and Gpa had a ball blowing bubbles. 

I ordered some Toy Story figurines for her and saved them until we got to the cabin...and of course she loved them....almost to the point where she didn't want to get in the water/go outside. 

She loved going out in the boat for rides. We tried taking Rowan but he was NOT happy wearing the life jacket...so he stayed on shore. 

I told her to look at Mommy....this is what I got in response. 

We celebrated Adam's birthday....while he was at home! 

We took Rowan to 'his' sign and gave Nathan a quick tour of Rowan. He hadn't been back since right after we were married (14 years ago). 

We went and visited Roger and Joan's house...which was always known to me as my Uncle Carl and Aunt Margaret's house. The front door still looks the same. 

We drove past the 'family farm'. It's a quarter section in Wright County that has been passed down through the female side of the family. So we had to get a three generation picture as it will someday be Viv's. 

Friday and Saturday we had rain as a cold front moved through. Boo! It was the only spot in the state where it was raining! Figures. 

But we had a beautiful rainbow! 

Adam and Teresa joined us Friday night. 

Then it was a bit chilly but Viv had a ball 'walking the dock' and 'fishing'. She found a stick and had more fun playing on the dock and sticking it in the water. 

Sink baths are the best! 

Sunday was much better weather...it wasn't warm enough for swimming but at least we had sun. We took a spin in the canoe. The cabin also had a swing which both kids loved. 

We enjoyed visiting Belmond as well (mom's hometown). We had dinner at the Belmond Country Club and walked the trail that GG Rietz used to spend so much time on. Here's to visiting next year...and hopefully warmer weather! 

Our first night I set Rowan on the dock and took some pics....he's such a ham!

Summer Adventures

I refuse to accept that summer is quickly fading. We are still enjoying the pool...and apparently Rowan is enjoying it more than others! 

Oh that little gummy smile...

Viv is swimming so much better since I switched up her floaties. She has definitely taken to the water a little more this last half of the summer. She still doesn't want to jump in unassisted and doesn't like water on her face. 

We invited everyone to come to the pool with us a few weeks ago. We had beautiful weather and everyone had a great day! 

I introduced Viv to the 'Old Farm Pond' last week. She had more fun catching fish and finding treasures. It was too bad I didn't bring her suit and life jacket. 

Finding clams...

 Catching minnows...

She was so excited when she caught a fish! She kept exclaiming how cute it was...and then I showed her how to pick it up...and then she was done...she didn't want anything more to do with the fish! Ha! 

Rowan and Gpa had fun too...lounging in the shade. 

This was really one of the first times I've seen her show interest in sand...

After she decided she didn't want anything to do with the fish she proceeded to sit in the chair and 'order' Gaga to catch fish. Once Gaga caught a fish then she would come down and look at it and sometimes hold the net. We decided she was going to make an excellent CEO. 

Viv has been into 'pretty dresses' lately and is always wanting to wear a 'pretty dress'. I think it stems mostly from being a flower girl with Harper and Grace. But I will take it! 

Kissing 'Baby Boy'. 

Playing at Lowe Park.