Sunday, July 27, 2008

Zearing Days

Ayvarie decided she wanted to participate in Little Miss Zearing this year. The best part about the process is that the girls go to the front and a little bio is read while they put their name in a hat. The winner is drawn! No real competition, which I think is great. The girls are too young to need to worry about competition. Doesn't that happen in junior high?

Anyway, Ayvarie's name was drawn. I didn't expect her name to be chosen (20% chance), but it really made her weekend. She was able to ride the kiddie rides for free (made my weekend, although Ayden was bummed). She also got to ride in the parade with Little Mr. Zearing. Ayden had no interest in participating in the parade (with Levi's group) this year...but Ayv had to rub in that she got to ride in a Mustang, which is Ayden's dream car. That's hereditary, I'm sure...I would still love to have a Mustang.

Meanwhile, my cousin's son and our friend's daughter helped Levi throw footballs at the parade while Ayden was pelted in the head with suckers. Maybe next year he'll opt to throw things instead of trying to catch them.

Little Mr. and Miss Zearing:

Tow Mater (LOVED THIS TRUCK):The closest I got to getting a picture of the kids with the truck. I didn't hunt it down after the parade like I should have. Bummer!Levi and the crew for Minerva Valley Companies:We're glad the weather was pleasant and happy to have the company we did for the weekend.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Summer fun.

It's all about swimming and biking this summer! Unfortunately, the kids don't have their big pool to live in this year since Levi's determined to save the grass. That didn't mean we gave up on swimming altogether. The kids took swim lessons for two weeks and LOVED it. The last day, I was able to watch them since my work schedule just happened to allow for it. We have plans to go to the pool again sometime this week.

It wasn't long ago that Ayden was reluctant to go down the slides alone. Of course that has changed.

Ayvarie loved the slides.She kept going back for more...Here's a random flower from the gardens surrounding the pool. They were vibrant!
Here is "Sweet Thunder". If you can believe it, Ayden requested to have this bike (hand-me-down from Ros) thinking he could paint it. I don't think the modified vinyl banana seat would be easy to paint. Pink is the color it will remain. Do they even make seats like this anymore?

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Reunion Revisited.

I was going back to June 14th and going through the pictures I took at the reunion. I'm playing with actions today, so I thought this group of pics would be fun to try them out on. Here's what I have so far...

My cousin and her family...along with my other cousin's daughter.
Before...After...poor guy was top heavy that day.Ayla. I don't know which I like better. Color?Black and white?All three.Back at the hotel.This is my favorite! Another canvas???

Monday, July 14, 2008

Wow...

I can't believe it's been nearly a week since I posted last. It seems like yesterday. I've been busy placing orders, editing, watching the kids ride their bikes all afternoon, snuggling with the baby, simply going to work, and just the usual duties in life.

I don't get the chance to post many pics of Ayden as he is generally not the dramatic one in the family. But, here's one I caught the other day when I was messing around.

I like his expression more than anything here.

Tomorrow I'll be receiving my first canvas order. It's something I've been wanting to offer my clients and finally took the plunge. I meant to print a 1-year pic of Ayla, but hadn't gotten around to it. So, the canvas is her 1 1/2 year picture - the one I posted of her looking down while holding onto the railing in front of our house. When I called customer service to check on the processing, the rep made a comment about how cute it was. Of course I think so...don't we all think our kids are cute?!? I'm sure I'll have pics to post of it later this week as proof!

Have a good night!


Sunday, July 06, 2008

Day of Relaxation...

We're relaxing today! We had a busy weekend with all of the Fourth of July celebrations. We caught glimpses of the fireworks in Huxley on Thursday night. Then, my cousins joined us on the 4th for festivities in Ames and grilling out at our place. Yesterday, we took the kids over to Lake Panorama to play at the beach and watch their fireworks display across the lake from my Aunt's house. They always have a great show!


Ayla did not want to be in the water. Our minimal attempts led to screaming and near-tears. So, I let Ayla dance all over the beach towel (squinty-eyed and scrunched-nosed) while we watched her big bro & sis splash around in the water with Levi, my Aunt, and her two friends.
I couldn't resist taking a pic of this cute little baby butt (and she still is my baby, even though she's approaching 2).
This is how Levi gets his workouts... I love how the fireworks reflected on the water. The high-flying ones just didn't light up the beach like these did. Beautiful!