Story City, Iowa

We found a great city park to stop at on our drive to Council Bluffs.  This time, Ken found craw-dads to show the kids.  They slowly got over being terrified!  It's a beautiful spot.

Strawberry Picking!

 I think their favorite part might have been the tractor ride and the strawberry donuts, but at least we also have lots in our freezer! 

Butterfly Catching

 We love to catch butterflies and moths!

Cocoa

 We have a new pet.  Or maybe I should say child.  His name is "Cocoa" and he is 54 inches.  We went to Costco with Grandpa Mike a couple of weekends ago.  I saw someone leaving with such a bear and thought "Hmm, who buys those?"  Little did I know, I would soon be the proud owner of a "Cocoa".  Needless to say, we do have a lonely cave in the basement that has been just waiting for a inhabitant.  That is a shopping trip the kids and I (and Grandma :) )  will never forget.  Grandpa carrying the said bear over his shoulder and us trying to get it in the car.  Cocoa now takes turns sleeping in rooms.  Evelyn still isn't sure about the new family member (she does like being the youngest...)

Mulch!

Ken called me at work the other day to ask if I thought we should get a dump truck load full of mulch for the yard.  The kids are glad I was distracted enough to say-uh, okay.

Hobbies?!

 Just in case you think that having kids made us forget about our hobbies...think again!  Ken got to build with toys and I ran a race with a friend.  Fun!

Following Dad through the rain...

Ken and Evelyn love the rain.  This is the second time I found them outside in a downpour.