The Nobles County Fair...

Daddy & Ava by the chickens The sheep

Of course we hit the malt stand...the highlight of the day!

Ava riding the "horsies" as she called it

She liked the car too!

Her favorite...the big slide!

It was a long trek up the stairs, but worth it!

We have gone to a couple county fairs this year. First we went to the local Rock County fair, but I forgot my camera (shocker!). We headed to Worthington to check out another as fairs seem to be a fun passtime for Ava. We didn't get by with just the animal buildings and ice cream this year. She saw the horses (merry-go-round) and she kept asking to ride them over and over. Brad finally gave in and bought some tickets. Turns out the slide was her favorite ride that she had to do twice. It did take nearly an eternity for her and Brad to climb all those stairs to the top, but she shreaked with delight all the way down!

Pregnancy Update...

29 weeks

27 weeks pregnant 29 weeks+ a few days

As you can see as I've journeyed into the third trimester, I'm getting bigger all the time. I feel like a moose some days, but I know it goes with the territory. Things are progressing very well. I've been cleared to return to work which is exciting. I feel like it's been an eternity since I've worked, so going back a couple days/week is going to be an adjustment. My doctors seem to feel that my risks are the same whether I'm working or not as long as I don't do too much. We are just so thankful to be this far in the pregnancy and things still going well. We have been busy getting Ava moved into her new room, painting the nursery, painting other rooms, and doing lots of organizing. I guess my "nesting" instinct is really kicking in!

Hannah throws me a baby shower...

Great friends! Our wonderful caretaker for Ava threw me a baby shower at the end of July when my sister Sandy could attend. She planned wonderful games, great food, and adorable decorations. Her diaper cake looked professional! It was such a great time. Thank you to all that came and for the wonderful gifts. We are so lucky to have such caring people in our lives.

The Sieve Family Reunion

Brad & Ava doing the water balloon toss Ava giving her best cheese smile

Layne & Ava

Ava enjoyed playing with Grandma Joyce

Getting a piggy back

I hadn't had the pleasure of going to the Sieve family reunion since before Brad and I were married, so it was fun to see everyone again. We enjoyed visiting with relatives we hadn't seen for a while. From the immediate family, Gary & Joyce came along with Lisa, Roy, and Layne. Ava seemed to enjoy the playground equipment, water balloons, and her cousins Tavin and Isaac. It was another hot, humid day but we have grown used to those.

An attempt at the VanMeeteren side grandchildren photo...

Yes- there was bribery involved

One child short... This was the best shot: Zachary 9, Sam 5 1/2, Toby 4 1/2, Addie almost 4, Ava 2 1/2

Addie & Ava willingly participating, Toby getting reprimanded!

Although I'm not sure why we try, we attempted once again to get a nice picture of all the grandkids the one time of year when they are all together. It is always challenging. Last year, Ava would not stand in any of the pictures, so there is always one unwilling participant. We hauled out the suckers and told the kids they could have one if they smiled. Well, all but Toby were very willing to sit for the pictures. After 30 or so images on each of our 3 cameras, this was the best we could do. Maybe next year...

Sandy's Visit: Part 2

Sandy & I The best friends...Ava & Toby

David & Sandy

Aunt Sandy & Ava

One things about Grandma's Farm...Always need a bath!

Arnolds Park

Toby & Ava enjoying the rides

Toby was done riding, but Ava was fine going herself

Visiting relatives at Cutty's Okoboji

Alexandra & Ava

We kept busy for Sandy's visit. We spent some time at Lake Okoboji hitting Arnold's Park and visiting relatives at Cutty's. Arnolds Park seemed to be pretty fun for the kids. They also enjoyed swimming at Gull Point although the current was really strong. I was exhausted just trying to stand next to Ava and stay in one spot. We also got to have a bonfire at the VanMeeteren farm and make smores. Ava & Toby immediately hit it off and Toby enjoyed driving Ava around in the jeep and dropping her off at certain locations around the farm. Ava would then point in the direction she wanted to go next and Toby would take her. I was surprised with their age difference (2 years) that they were so tight, but it was cute to watch!

My sister and family makes their annual trip to visit: Part 1:

Palisades State Park

Zachary & Toby- Palisades State Park

Devils Gultch

The Herfkens Family from bridge at Devils Gultch

Blue Mound State Park

My sister Sandy made her annual summer trip to visit again this year from Tucson. Her husband David came for a short part of her near month stay. We made use of David's short time here by hitting all the area attractions around our area. We headed to Palisades State Park, Devils Gultch, and Blue Mound State Park. As fitting for this summer, it was hot and humid which proved to be exhausting, but fun! The kids had so much fun. The time went way too fast!