Lake Weekend

We had a fun-filled weekend at Lake Shetek, or better known as "Ruden's Retreat". The girls could not be kept away from the sand, so many a castle were made.

There was also some time made for boating, raft lounging, tubing, storm watching, fishing-line casting, and birthday partying...most of which I didn't catch on my camera because we were too busy enjoying it all.

The girls are already asking when we are going back. Next trip they have fireworks to look forward to!

Family Fest

Olivia got the chance to perform her recital dances once again for Family Fest at the Bandshell Park in Ames on Saturday. Olivia really enjoyed it and can't wait for her next recital!

Snow Whites!

Tap dancing to "Heigh-Ho"

Having a snack after the performance.

Joe is gnawing on a prize that Olivia won for him.

Here's some video of both of her performances.

(Olivia is behind the mic stand)

Dance Expo 2010

Olivia danced ballet to "Someday My Prince Will Come" and tap to "Heigh Ho". As always, we thoroughly enjoyed watching her dance. She was part of the Enchanted Kingdom segment and her class were the little Snow Whites. It's always a little weird to see a bunch of little girls in heavily sprayed hair and stage make-up, but it's all part of the show:) Doesn't Olivia look a little strained with that goop all over her lips?

We've seen a huge improvement in Olivia's dancing since last year. She really enjoys it, which makes all the fuss over recital totally worth it. Since watching cousin Gracie's recital and dancing in her own, Olivia and little sissy have been "performing" in mini recitals of their own non-stop!

Look out next year when we'll have two little angel dancers.

Recital Weekend

We were back in LeMars last weekend to watch Grace's recital. All of the dances were great and it's always fun to watch.

We were greeted with my favorite pizza....Jerry's!! Yum!

Joe found a weapon toy and immediately began terrorizing playing.

The girls got the girly treatment from mommy.

Olivia in the best seat in the house, between grandma and great-grandma!

Backstage with Gracie before the show. (Sylvia was a bit spooked)

The fam (sans Joseph) with Gracie after the show.

Gracie and great-grandma Ruden

Great job Gracie!

Busy couple of days

After working in Spencer on Tuesday and Wednesday, I got right back into action here at home. Thursday morning brought grocery shopping, ice-cream sundaes with Olivia's pre-school class, and a picnic play date with friends at the park. Olivia received a bubble wand from her teacher, Miss Suzanne and entertained her brother and sister for a good while yesterday afternoon.

I was even able to catch some brief "Joey-babble". His words are coming slower than the girls' ever did, so we get super excited when he utters a new one:)

Today was Olivia's last day of pre-school, so she got out a little early. Instead of running back home, then back to pick her up in such a short time frame, the little kids and I went on an "adventure". We did some light shopping at Wally-world where we stocked up on bubbles, sidewalk chalk, and outdoor toys. Then Joey got a hair-cut, followed by a trip to the park. After picking big sister up from school, we came home and had lunch and a nap with Daddy, who was worn out from mowing the yard. As if the day wasn't hectic enough, we decided that a little swimming was in order. Gotta do it up right when we get "family day"! We ended up at the Nevada pool as the Ames one was only open 4-7pm this week. Now we're chilling out after an easy supper. It makes me giddy thinking about all the fun summer days we have ahead of us!

Memorial Day Weekend

Over Memorial Day Weekend we traveled up to LeMars to visit Gramma Lola. Ab had to work Saturday so bright and early Sunday morning we headed out. The first thing the girls saw when we arrived were the treasures that Gramma Lola brought back from Hawaii (see below). We were very busy eating lots of great food and playing outside. It was too short of a trip for sure!

Aloha! Aren't we cute?

Joey loves the bubbles!

Olivia knows how it's done!

Not sure what Sylvia is doing here.

Working hard on those bubbles!

Here are the rest of the pictures.

Goodbye Mingo

I left Mingo today for the last time. I often joked that I'd be dancing on my way out of the building but that wasn't the case. It was actually pretty hard to do. I've met some good people and worked with some awesome teachers in that building and I won't forget that.

The ol' school on the hill.

A brief moment before taking the road out of town behind me.

Here's a brief photo tour of the ol' building that I'll miss quite a bit.