ILLINOIS OR BUST!

BUST!

We made the attempt to get to Illinois for Grandma Ezby's 88th birthday party. It was reluctantly agreed upon Iowa City was our turn around point if Riggs was not a happy traveler.

Well...Iowa City it was.

It was unfortunate to miss the party and visiting with the Collins side of the family but we ended up having a wonderful family time in

Iowa City.

We played at a park near our old house. After telling Brooklyn we would drive by the first house she lived in, we discovered it was for sale. And, there was an 'Open House'. So, we stopped and went in for a look. Everything was still the same.

It seems surreal that Scott and I ever owned that house.

But, I guess it has been 6 years and 3 kids later!

If we ever get close to Iowa City, Scott loves to get Airliner pizza.

It calls to him!

And, he now feels obligated to teach our kids about this 'magical' place.

I think he mostly likes it because you have to use a fork to eat it.

Riggs: 'Finally...this is what I've been waiting for!'

There was also a stop by the field hockey complex. It is quite impressive! It would be fun to think the girls could play there. But, seeing as no one around Iowa really has any idea what Field Hockey is...I don't see that happening.


The 'Cage'

Score Board






The sprinklers were on while we were there. It was fun making our way around the whole field trying to guess which sprinklers would turn on next. There was a couple of close calls.

But, on a hot day...the mist felt really good!

Next stop...Scheels. Need to check out the Iowa Gear, you know? But, we got a little side tracked. Scott just happened to see a new shop called 'Black & Gold' by the mall. I'm still amazed that I got my husband out of there! It has some really cool Hawk stuff!
We will be back...I'm sure of that!

But first...on our way to Scheels, the girls saw the 'Merry-go-round' and asked Scott if they could have a ride. It didn't take much arm twisting for these girls to convince their Daddy it was a fantastic idea.
They have him just where they want him. I love it!

Ride #2...I got to go with the girls.

Another thing that didn't take much convincing was stopping at

Dairy Queen.

Scott made the mistake of leaving his blizzard unattended.

Sometimes you just have to learn the hard way :)

Riggs got in on the action too!

Pizza and ice cream in one day...he is NEVER going back to the peas!

MAY I HAVE REAL FOOD, PEAS?

After a couple attempts of rice cereal and having Riggs look at me like "seriously?",

I had Scott stop and get some baby food.

We started with peas.

It was better received than rice cereal but I think he is holding out for pizza.

He is his father's son, ya know!

Riggs' thought bubble....

"Ahhh, come on!?!?!"

SUMMER FUN

Most days you can find us at the pool in the afternoon.

Friends and water...what could be better?

The Barbie Brigade

These girls spent so much time playing with Barbies yesterday.

I can only imagine the story line!

Alex, Lauren, Brooklyn & Avery were all in a perfect circle

with their Barbies. As soon as the camera was out, they scattered.

Just relaxin'.....

Naps at the side of the pool

HIS TALENT?

Making Bubbles...

he doesn't even need a wand!

JUST PLAIN SWEET

DOES IT EVER STOP?

SERIOUSLY?

DOES IT EVER STOP?

Ok...I know laundry will never stop. But, I have never done so much laundry in my life. Everyday there are 2-3 loads.

Everyday!

The only thing that has changed in this house is a little baby.

How does someone less than 20 lbs cause so much laundry?

AND...

just how do you get it folded and put away on the SAME day?

I seem to have the capacity to get it through the washer and dryer

and on good days I can get it back in closets.

But, most of the time it sits in a basket until the next day.

Brooklyn took pity on me and started folding this morning.

Love that girl!

ANOTHER OF MANY FIRSTS

HE LAUGHED OUT LOUD.

my heart melted...again.