A Day at the Park...

 

Huge wasps swarming a tree at the park (thank goodness for a zoom lens as I wouldn't be nearly this close) 

Tire swing! 

 

Silly face! 

 

Family horse riding! 

 

 

What a gorgeous day to be at the park and we actually didn't die of heat stroke!

Our LIttle Car Washer...

 

 

Little boy + water hose = fun, fun and more fun!  Owen just loves washing Daddy's van and Daddy doesn't mind either.  He's also discovered he can squirt Ava and Daddy, but he usually makes it quick and resumes his vehicle washing!  Luckily, he hasn't figured out how to turn on the facet by himself yet!!

Rock County Fair...

 

Owen didn't want to get too close 

 

Ava wasn't scared of anything! 

We made our annual trip to the local Rock County Fair.  The animal buildings were a hit with the kids although Ava was much more willing to get "in touch" with the animals than her brother. Ava went to the fair the night before with her friend Andrea and rode the rides which she was very excited about!  Of course, we couldn't go wrong with hitting the ice cream stand- our family loves ice cream!   

VBS at the Baptist Church...

Ava with her "tribe" 

Linkin, Ava & Katherine 

Ava absolutely loved her week of VBS at the Baptist Church this year.  My friend Stacey was her teacher and she knew several kids in her class.  Social outings rank pretty high in Ava's book so she was very excited to attend each day.  The theme was Daniel's Courage in Captivity and it was so interesting to hear her recollection of what was taught each day.  She learned many songs which she is still singing and made many fun crafts.  Ava loves performing and singing (on or off stage).   

Our last days with Aunt Sandy & family from Arizona...

Toby 

Aunt Sandy & Owen 

Sisters 

Sandy & David
We so enjoyed our visit from the Herkens this year.  Always sad to see them leave! 

Ava learns how to ride a 2-wheeler....

 

 

On July 10, 2012, Brad took Ava's training wheels off her bike and she took off seemingly without a hitch!  At 4 1/2 years old, she learned how to ride her bike.  She didn't even fall down!  She had a little trouble turning and would put her feet down for the first day or so, but after that she looks like she's been riding all summer.  After a couple weeks under her belt, she's getting more daring and did take a spill riding on the grass!  She loves to tell anyone who will listen about her new talent that doesn't require training wheels!