Nashville

Joey and I were able to sneak off to Nashville with some friends.  We were able to do this because Randy and Val so kindly, offered to stay with the kids.  So they drove from Ohio to Iowa so we could have a little get away.  Joey and I thoroughly enjoyed our getaway.  

Lots of live music, heat and drinks was the theme of this visit!

Meanwhile the kids were climbing the walls at home with Uncle Randy and Val

It was quite a load for them being here with the 3 kids, but they managed just fine!  The kids all loved having them here and pretty much getting whatever they wanted!!  They sure miss having them here, but they are happy to have us home as well.  Ella was the one that missed us the most, but the other 2 were happy to see us when we finally got home.  

We had a wonderful time just the perfect length but we still ended up having some trouble.  Our plane never arrived at the airport, on the way home, due to weather.  So our flight was cancelled and not another way for the airline to get us home.  They basically said "sorry" and figure it out yourselves.  So we did, by renting a car and driving back to Iowa and not getting home until 3:30am.  Of course, we were not happy but it did work itself out.  

Summer

And just like that summer is winding  down and I haven't kept up on the blog.  Story of my life these days, so I will have one big post of most of the summer.  We continued to boat and camp throughout summer.  4th of July is always a great time.  This year we had a rainbow join us.  

Happy 4th! 

We had great boating weather!

The kids couldn't believe I let them play in the mud!  Its nice because I just send them to the water hook up to get rinsed off. 

We were able to get a kayak trip in as well.  We took Eli this time even though we don't have a kayak for him.  He loved his ride though! 

Eli being pulled by by dad in his tube!  He was all smiles!

My girl and I enjoying the river!

Next on our list was a camping trip we made in November.  We scheduled a trip to camp and meet the Herschlebs just on the Iowa/Wisconsin border.  The girls saw Micah and were all smiles and couldn't wait to get out of the vehicle to go meet him.  They LOVED seeing him!  Here are all the kids..we had quite the group camping.  

Hanging out!

A couple friends requested a cake for their kiddos birthdays.  One is melon and taco 2'sday for the win.  

Trip to Ohio to see all the family.  And it's never enough time.  Joey stayed and worked, so it was just the kids and I.  The kids really do travel so well!

The cousins were able to hang out a bit and catch a view of the portage river!

I feel like the last part of summer just FLEW by but we really packed the last part with lots of traveling. Nashville is next and boy did we Joey and I have a nice time!  If I could keep up this better I would prolly have more to say about each thing, but it just continues to get harder and harder to keep up with this blog.