Random events

Kyra practicing for her pictures

Kyra showing off her new backpack

Getting ready to head to Patty's

Chopping season

Celebrating my birthday

Summer has officially ended!  Kyra has begun a new journey this year at Patty's.  Last year she stayed with Grandma Leman and Corrie, which was nice for the first year.  We avoided a ton of sickness and felt like she received tons of personal attention and care.  This year, Kyra has started going to Patty's.  She loves it! There are lots of kids (mostly boys) to play with and she loves singing, dancing, and playing with people her size.  She has done well with the adjustment. 

This week has also been the start of chopping season.  Bart has been gone working long hours, but we have been able to go ride in the tractor with him a few times.  Kyra loves it and we enjoy spending time together.

A big thanks to my wonderful husband (and his mother) for the cake for my birthday.  Kyra couldn't keep her fingers out of the icing for a good picture.  We are off to the beginning of the school.  So far so good!

18 months!

Kyra turned 18 months yesterday!  Time has flown.  It seems like yesterday we were bringing her home.  Bart's brother, Phil, just recently took her 18 month pictures for us.  They turned out great!  Here are a few of my personal favorites. 

A trip to the zoo!

Taking a picture by the waterfall

Kyra was very intrigued by the ducks

Kyra with grandpa and grandma

Checking out the animals

Oh no!

Even the #1 Nascar racer took time to get his picture with us!

Taking a rest on the rock

Too much zoo!

On Saturday Bart had a bachelor party all day so Kyra and I decided we wanted to go to the zoo.  I had b een wanting to take her all summer so this seemed like a good time since school is starting on Thursday!  I asked mom and dad to go as well.  We all had a great time.  I figured Kyra would love it. She loves our animals at home, so I was sure she would like the zoo.  Her favorites, I would say were the monkeys, cows, and the dolphin show.  She really wanted to pet everything!  After the zoo, we headed to the mall, which dad was especially excited for. After we ate at On the Border, we headed home.  It was such a fun day. 

There's more than corn!

We spent the day yesterday at Indiana Beach for dad's company picnic.  We weren't sure how Kyra would do because we didn't know how much she would be able to ride.  She had a blast!  I think her favorite ride was the merry go round.  She didn't want to get off and I think she rode it about 5 times.  Of course, Bart and Justin were more concerned with where we were eating next!  I  hadn't been on any rides forever.  It was pretty fun, but there sure are some interesting people out there.  All in all, it was a fun day.

Homegrown goods!

After numerous hours picking, snapping, cleaning, and canning, we now have 18 1/2 jars of green beans for the winter.  Yesterday mom and I canned beans in the afternoon.  It was a first time experience for me, but it went well.  I was glad to have mom because I had no clue what to do.  However, I think I can do it myself if we have some more this year.  After the canning process was complete, we enjoyed a completely homegrown meal which included hamburgers, cucumber tomato and onion salad, zucchini and squash, and zucchini bars for dessert.  I am so excited to see that our garden has been a success this year.  Bart and I decided when we made our garden that it would be an experimental, learning year for us.  We weren't going to get upset if we didn't have much produce.  We have been pleasantly surprised!!  We have learned what we will do differently next year, but it has been a great garden so far.  I'm looking forward to what we will still have in the weeks to come!

Fair Fun!

Kyra and grandpa petting the horseBart and Justin getting ready for some action Alyssa and I are ready to be rescuedWish this would have turned out better...my hero!!Ripping the hood off...what studs

We had tons of fun at the fair this year.  I haven't been in forever and it was Kyra's first experience.  I worked in the milkshake stand, which I loved!  We also went to the cow show to watch Ethan show his cow.  He did a great job.  We watched the parade and then headed to watch the fireman cut up a van.  Although the heat was unbelievable, we had a fantastic time and can't wait until next year. 

4th Fun!

What a fun weekend!! On the 4th we had Bart's family over for our annual party. Although hot, we missed the rain and enjoyed volleyball, bean bag toss, water balloon fights, crafts, food, fellowship, and fireworks. We had a fantastic time and hope everyone that came did as well. On the 5th we went to my parents' house for lunch, which included green beans from our garden!! After we ate we headed to the lake with mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, and Dakota. It was a little rough at first, but turned out to be a great time. After heading to the fair today, I am ready for bed!