Our July

 July has come and gone. 

We went to the fair, went on a family vacation, and celebrated Riley turning 10! And, of course, life is just full with all the ins and outs of regular life. Which is really where it's at, right?

Riley, my sweet Riley. He had a birthday! Oh, I love him so. He is growing so fast. Summer was really made for his birthday month because he is a true summer kid. He loves all things outdoors like fishing and he has yet to find a sport he doesn't like. He loves legos and creating and building things. He is a true joy to our family: 

                                                                                         

                                                  

We were on vacation for his birthday (what a present)! We got to celebrate with my family in my hometown and that was a real treat. We fished and had cake:

                                         

                                          

                                                        

                                                        

We had fair week. The kids entered a ton of items but I got this one photo of Riley with his vase he put together to enter:
                                                 

Painted faces:

And balloon animals (Avery refused to be in with her dog):

Carnival rides and put put golf:

We went one night to the carnival. We met up with some of the best of friends to spend the evening with:

We stayed later than we normally would stay and got to watch the evening fireworks show! It was so cool. The kids watched from the ferris wheel and said it was a memory they will have forever.

One night, Payton and I went to meet friends for a concert. It poured on us. And poured. Then, the electricity went out and the band had to call it. We finally took off running for our vehicle. Another night I will always remember:

Back at home, Avery loves on her chickens:

We got out for lots of fishing this month:

And just playing around outside, complete with camping and fishing in the cornfields:

One night we had a movie night and this was the first time Avery really sat for it. We watched Frozen II and it was a total hit:

We went to a swimming pool party!

We made it to the Children's museum to play:

The oldest two had book club so the younger ones read (and played) in the library while we waited:

We went on vacation to Rapid, South Dakota. We also stopped at Wall Drug, my family's house growing up, and went to my husband's family reunion for a day. It was a lot but so much fun for all of us!

Avery spent quite a bit of time riding like this while we chauffeured her around:

We got to spend time with one of my friends from growing up. We hadn't seen each other in 7 years!

A few pictures with my family:

We celebrated the 4th of July together. It is one of our family's favorite days. We hang out together all day and stay up late to watch the city fireworks.

Payton made a special treat:

We made it to the pool a few times this year. A few different pools actually and got to see some friends!

We got ice treats from both of the vendors we have in town. The kids tried frozen pickle juice and loved while I am still a fan of wedding cake flavored snow cone:

I wanted to get Avery to story time this summer. We made it once. Just once. But sometimes that is just how it goes. 

We made it to the park a few times:

Monte and Avery laid out one day in the heat to look at the clouds (or rest, who knows):

We moved Monte's parents into their house. And one time, the ice cream truck went by and we all got a quick treat!

A fun sunflower that I grew:

And a beautiful flowering cactus:

The kids made these cute towels with the local library:

That is a wrap on July! On to August and the start of school.

June Recap

June was a good one. We spent a lot of time outside and with friends and family. That's probably what makes summer so sweet, it's a combination of all the good things in life. 

So, let's get to this month since it's a total blur and I won't recall what happened without pictures to guide me along the way:

We did our second year of the puzzle challenge. Our library challenges families to put together a puzzle as fast they can. Last year we did so well and this year, not so much. But, we had fun doing it and I try to tell myself that is what really matters! We did finish a 500 piece puzzle in 42 minutes and I do feel like that is a true accomplishment:

                                          

A cute Avery sleeping picture I just can't pass up. As I type this she is refusing nap and so I am relishing how nice it was on the days she slept:

Payton selfies I came across on my phone:

I surprised the kids with waffle bowls and ice cream one night. A total treat and a huge hit:

Lots of fishing this month. Possibly the smallest fish ever:

A coffee shop date with my 4, a true delight:

Does it get any cuter with a toddler at a splash pad? She was shy with the water but was so fun to watch her try it out:

Baseball was wrapped up and came to an end. I feel like it was a lot but the family all loved it and Riley wants to do again:

Baseball for us was totally a family event:

A Wednesday free movie with coloring sheets. Payton won the coloring contest:

I randomly found some lego creations put together and knew the kids were preparing for the fair:

Cute Avery and our baby girl chicken. Need I say more?

Riley baked a pie! It was sour cherry and totally fantastic. Made with cherries from our trees:

Our town celebrates Swedish days annually. We had family in town and all went to the parade and festivities:

Fun at the park:

Payton made energy balls:

And Avery, just being Avery:

A garden picture. I don't think I took and I am guessing Riley did:

Again, just more pictures of Avery being Avery:

My mom came to visit, which is a royal treat:

We found these at a garage sale and have loved them like crazy:

We made one trip to the children's museum. My kids all still find the time fun:

We completed a puzzle of our own at home:

And we went camping and got out with the kayak. And, more fishing.

June was a fun month and the summer just goes so fast. As I type this out we only have a few more weeks of break. Where did the time go? So thankful for this sweet life God gave us.