Chris and Kim's Wedding

We were delighted to travel to Okoboji for one last time this year to celebrate the marriage between Chris and Kim. The wedding was outdoors and we honestly could not of had better weather. It was truly amazing. Kim had such a "vision" for the wedding and everything came together just fabulously!!We had a great time getting to know her family and see some of Mike's extended family and close family friends. Just a great weekend!

The reception was in Steve and Linda's yard. Friday started off getting things ready for the reception.

While the kids played at the park across the street.

Porter was in HEAVEN playing with his boy cousins!! I don't think he left Grant's side the entire 3 days. He loved playing with Guy just as much!

My wonderful mother in law ironing Stella, Porter and Mike's clothes for the wedding.

Playing a tune on the piano.

Stella was the flower girl and loved every single second of it. She got her hair done at a salon (a first!) and just loved all her curls.

Love this pic!

Some shots of all the little details that Kim had planned out. She thought of everything!

Below was the cake table that was set up really cute. I took pics before all of this.

The buffet table.

All 5 grand kids before the wedding. Porter (5), Stella (7), Grant (6), Guy (4), Grace (13!!)

At the wedding location

Chris deep in thought before the ceremony.

Mike escorting Linda to her seat.

Flower Girl doing her duties.

Porter and Kim's nephew Noah were the "sign holders"  Very cute idea!

Kim was just beautiful! Her proud father escorting her down the isle.

Chris seeing his beautiful bride for the first time (they didn't see each other before the ceremony).

Love this shot looking between Steve and Linda.

Officially married!

We actually got a couple of decent family photos!

Worn out flower girl. She was EXHAUSTED by dinner time. She went to bed at 6:30 and woke up at 7:30 the next morning. She followed Grace around like her shadow but also played a bunch with Grant, Guy and Porter. One tired little chica.

Steve and Linda with their grandchildren.

Not sure what Scott is telling her.....

The newlyweds arriving at the reception.

Cute cowboy boots picture.

Steve hard at work in the kitchen after a busy night.

School Year 2012/13

Well, summer vacation has come to an end! It flew by, but I was expecting that!! We had a great hiatus from school, but it's time for us all to get back into a routine. The kids went to Meet and Greet yesterday morning to meet their teachers, see their rooms and drop off their school supplies. They were both pumped up about school after that! :) Yay! This morning however, they weren't too excited to get up early.....I admit I did enjoy them staying up late and sleeping in (until 8:30 or 9 a lot of times!!). 

Mike bought Stella flowers and Porter balloons for a "have a fabulous 1st day of school" send off. They were both thrilled!

I didn't get them any gifts, but I did clean their clothes, help them get ready, teeth brushed, beds made, breakfast served, lunch packed, drive them to school and shower them with hugs and kisses! LOL (They still liked Mike's gifts better!)

Stella my 2nd grader! I know she'll have a great year. I LOVED 2nd grade, (well, other than being hospitalized for like 3 weeks, and missing a month of school)! My 2nd grade teacher, Mrs. Hickman was probably one of my top favorites. I think Stella will love her teacher just as much.

Stella, age 7: wants to be a baby-sitter, work at the Y, or work at an Animal Shelter when she grows up. Her favorite color is "rainbow. Mom, is that a color, rainbow?" Sure it is Stella, makes perfect sense to me. :) Her favorite food is Gushers (probably b/c she never gets them!). Her 3 best friends are, Berlin, Julia S. and Annie C.

Porter was more than ready for Kindergarten! He thrives in school and has LOVED being in preschool. I think he will also have a fabulous year! :) My Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Nelson was probably my 2nd favorite next to Mrs. Hickman. I think there is just something special about a Kindergarten teacher, ya know?

Very proud of his new backpack! Porter, age 5 wants to be a Paleontologist when he grows up or work at an Animal Shelter. His favorite color is turquoise (this changes almost daily, yesterday it was yellow, maybe he should of said "rainbow", too!!). His favorite food is ice cream and his 3 best friends are Sam, Brant and Mitchell (all from preschool).

Stella  next to her locker, she shares one with Ally.

Stella and her teacher, Mrs. Berrie.

At her table spot (please stop with the pictures, mom!).

1. Porter in front of his locker. I held it together while dropping Porter off and saying good-bye. It's so very bittersweet sending your kids to school (everyone can relate), I'm so proud of them (as all parents are!). I was fine until we were out in the parking lot and our friend Jeff was in his vehicle waiting for Lucy to get there and we were chit-chatting and then Lucy walks up and she and I immediately start crying! It was so silly. We hugged for a moment and then left, each knowing exactly what the other was feeling. LOL I was good after that. I'm excited for Porter to experience Kindergarten and have a great year! :)

Porter and his teacher, Mrs. Howard.

At his table spot.

Iowa State Fair

We had a great time at the Iowa State Fair on Friday. It was actually chilly that morning! It felt fabulous after the heat wave we've had this summer. It was fun digging out jeans for the kids to wear.  But it warmed right up as the day wore on.

This year there were decorated ice cream cones scattered around the fair, last year I believe it was decorated pigs. The kids really had fun pointing out the different ice cream cones they found.

Stella at Little Hand On The Farm.

Porter at LHOTF

Porter milking a fake cow at LHOTF

Watching the baby chicks at the Knapp Building.

Stella future turkey farmer.

 Porter future turkey farmer at the Knapp Building.

I even found veggie corn dog! Woot! Something on a stick!

Stella and Clifford. Porter didn't want to be in the photo.

With Cy

 With some ISU cheerleaders.

Stella and Mike going down the Giant Slide, Porter didn't want to go on it this year.

Petting a baby calf

Another ice cream cone.

Pretending to be eating the fruit off of this cone.

 With the winning pumpkin!

We meet up with our good friend John Wulff after lunch along with his daughter Natasha an his parents. It was so much fun seeing him again! Natasha will be starting Kindergarten this year also.

Making some clay creations at Art Attack.

Natasha and Stella with the State Fair Ribbons.

In the butterfly tent.