July 19, 2014: 4-wheeler ride

It gets loud when Grampa Paul takes the kids on a 4-wheeler ride. Because they scream. A lot.

July 19, 2014: First sweet corn of the year

Jasper picked the first sweet corn of the season, Avery shucked it, and we all gobbled it up! That farming is hard -- and dirty -- work, just look at Jasper's feet!

July 13, 2014: Hiking at Thomas Mitchell Park

We hit the trails at Thomas Mitchell Park for some fun and exercise. Kids played in the water and found walking sticks before posing by the big morel carved out of an old tree stump.

July 9, 2014: Visiting dad's office

Kids and Nat stopped by my office to say a quick "Happy ninth anniversary!" since I had to work. They both wanted to sit at my desk, so they had to share the seat.

July 9, 2014: A new friend

Jasper's new friend, "Inchy." He didnt' last long. (Also, this was our ninth anniversary, but I can't seem to find any photos of us. Bummer!)

July 6, 2014: Storm clouds rolling in

Just a couple of photos of storm clouds rolling into Bondurant, right over our house. Somehow it never actually stormed.

July 5, 2014: Back to Adventureland

Jasper's first time riding the Tornado roller coaster. Good thing we got a before and not after photo, because it didn't go too well. He didn't love it, let's just say. But he'll try it again someday.

July 4, 2014: Fourth of July party

For the second year in a row we had friends over for a Fourth of July party. Swimming, grilling and watching fireworks at Prairie Meadows and Adventureland from the yard. Plus, earlier in the day we met family and friends in Waukee for its annual July 4th parade. Yes, in that first pic Jasper is showing Payton his stitches, meaning no harm with that middle finger. Haha!

June 27-30, 2014: Kansas City vacation

We had so much fun on our short summer vacation to Kansas City. Highlights included a nice little water park at the Sleep Inn we stayed at in Liberty, the T-Rex Cafe, Lego Land (!!!) and so much more.

Couple of memories I hope to never forget:

- Jasper fell in love at first sight with the waitress at the R-Rex Cafe. Can't remember her name now, but he immediately started acting a little funny when she came over. When she walked away after taking the drink order, he said how much he liked her voice and her face and her curly air, and was seriously swooning. We told him that if he liked her, he should tell her. When she returned, he said, "I think you're hot." Flustered, she responded, "Well ... you're hot!" and slinked away. She came back a few minutes later after gathering her composure and told him thanks and, I think, gave him a hug.

- Lego Land was as great as advertised. We all loved the rides, the "4-D" movie where we got a little wet, the hands-on building displays, the walk-through area with cool builds of everything from Arrowhead Stadium to scenes from "Wizard of Oz," and, of course, the gift shop where Jasper decided he wanted the Lego Delorean from "Back to the Future."