Last of the summer fun

We are trying to get everything in before summer is over! What a busy time! Here are the past 2 weeks in review.

July 27th, the kids and I went to Illinois for a family reunion. 

 

After the reunion, we went to an alpaca farm. It was really cool to see the fun animals.

 

My mom took the kids home for the night. It was so nice to have a Sunday with just Ricky. We relaxed and enjoyed some quiet time together. Just what we needed. The kids had a great time with Grandma and Grandpa. They went swimming for a little bit (it was cold outside and the water was really cold, too!) and then my dad took Dylan BB gun shooting. He loved it and did a great job. I'd rather my kids learn gun safety from my dad than from a friend!  

 

 July 29th, we had a doctor appointment for Lauren in Indy. We had been contemplating if we should even go, since she is doing well with everything, but decided it would be good to see her specialist. We found out that she needs new orthotics in her shoes to help with her lateral antiversion. Basically, her hips are still facing inward causing her knees to be close together. Fingers crossed that the insurance will pay for them and I feel that they will help correct her hips. She also needs a note at school as she is not supposed to do some of the activities they may require in gym class. (I still can't believe that she is going to kindergarten!) 

August 1st, we went to the Tippecanoe Fair. Ricky took the day off to spend some time with us. Too bad the rides didn't open until 5 and we were there at 2. It was fun and the kids loved seeing all of the animals.

We have been keeping up with weekly playdates with friends this summer. The kids really enjoy playing with their friends and I enjoy having a little time with them occupied! Last week, Lauren's friend was gone on vacation, so she got to spend the afternoon with just me. It was nice to have some girl time with her. I think we need to start doing the one-on-one dates with the kids. They are growing up way too fast!

Last Friday I took the kids to the Columbian Park Zoo. 

 

The kids have been asking to ride the train all summer, so we finally rode it. They raised the prices since they are putting in a new depot, so it was not worth the money, but the kids loved it! The things you do for kids!

Last Monday, we went to the State Fair with our good friends, the Sproat's. It was so much fun showing them around as they had never been before. We love going to the fair and try to go every year. My favorite food this year was the turkey leg. It was so flavorful! Of course the deep fried basket of veggies, doughnut burger, corn dog, deep fried Oreos, deep fried Reeses, deep fried milky way, and deep fried butter, roasted corn, and milkshakes were all really good, too.  

 

 This is the world's largest popcorn ball. It was fitting as this was the year of the popcorn. Good old Indiana!

 

  Tuesday, we went to Fair Oaks Dairy farm for playgroup. Lauren and Ethan loved the big bouncy thing. They spent most of their time here.

 

 Ethan and Jack were inseparable! This is their 'cheese' for the camera! Love those boys!

 Dylan was a lot more adventurous this year. He climbed all the way to the top! I'm so proud of him!

  Last night, we had a big celebration here at our house! Ricky has graduated from Purdue University with a bachelors degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management. We are so proud of him! I thought it would be nice to celebrate with our friends and family, so I planned a cook-out. I think he was surprised! He came home from work early, to work on stuff from home, and figured it out earlier than planned, but it all worked out in the end! Congratulations Ricky!