Finally, canoing

Jonnie and I were signed up to go canoing back in May, but it was postponed until June. June came and it was postponed until July. July came and you guessed it, postponed until August. Well, it finally came and it wasn't canceled! We were excited to finally get to go canoing together.

Here's Jonnie all ready to go. We listened to a quick lesson and then we were on our way.





It was really peaceful and beautiful out there in the wetlands. I was loving it.



Jonnie was, too.





We canoed through different channels....



and through the weeds....this was so funny and the more I laughed the less strength I had to get us out of the weeds.



Our leader yelled for all of us to follow him through this really thin channel out to the open water. Jonnie and I were the last ones to try to get to the channel and all of a sudden the winds came up and we had no control over where the canoe went. We were trapped in the weeds and when we finally got out we would just end up in another pile of weeds-it was exhausting but so hysterical. We never made it to the open water with all the others, which we found out later was probably best since they were all pushed into the weeds over there, too. To top things off it started pouring rain, which honestly made me laugh even more. We finally got to learn to canoe and it pours!



So, even though it was technically a disaster, I had a lot of fun and can't wait to go back. Plus, it was awesome to spend time with my Jonnie.

Fun Days were here again.

Our town's Fun Days were here again and we all had a good time. The kids' still love everything about it (:

On Friday the boys brought Dex up to the pet show. He was a stubborn mule and wouldn't sit or shake or anything, he just sat there like the big lazy dog that he is. They didn't do ribbons this year either, which kind of bummed us out. All the entries received a t-shirt, which is something, but it is always fun to hear what award each one receives.







Later that evening was the antique tractor parade and the men were in it again with their sons. Here's Tim and Tucker. Sorry, Mel I didn't get a picture of Hunter. He was turned away and then I lost the shot.



Here are my boys. I tried to get a great picture to blow up for Jon but didn't quite capture it. It's so fun to see them put-puttin down the road together (:



Here's my attempt at another posed picture. Still not the greatest.



The next morning was the town parade and this year we did a "corn and beans" theme and all wore our Jon Deere t-shirts. I thought it turned out cute.





Melissa and Levi.



Alaina, Jonnie, and Sawyer waiting for the parade to begin.



Kate's butt (:





After the parade, the kids went on the bouncy houses. Here Jonnie was giving Sawyer some pointers.



Sawyer had a blast and thought it was so fun, until.....





The end and he was terrified to slide down the slide. Jonnie had to quick get up there and rescue him. His face says it all-hahahaha!



The bouncy castle was much better and not scary at all (:



Next onto the pedal tractor pulls. This was Sawyer's first year and he was so interested in looking all around at everything that was happening. It was adorable and even though he didn't get very far, he sure looked like he was giving it his all!





Jonnie was up later and struggled a little this year. I think he needs to start riding his bike more and not his motor bike to build up his leg muscles again, right Jonnie?



I love his face here as it says, "man, that was tough!"



He still got third, but wasn't too happy he was beaten by a girl, he said. I was proud of her (:



So, overall it was a fun day. This was the day before I found out I had pneumonia and was deathly sick by this evening. I even cried myself to sleep that night because I felt so horrible. But, two weeks and minus 4 pounds later, I am finally feeling better! I am now fighting dizziness and upset stomach from the meds, so can't wait to be done with everything! We are slowly getting ourselves organized for school and just registered Alaina for 7th grade today-it's coming up way too fast!

July wrap-up

July came and went in a blur it seems. I remember summers that dragged on forever growing up, but now they seem to fly by faster and faster. Here are a few highlights of the month since it seems I haven't been blogging as of late. Plus, my geriatric computer has been giving me issues and it is not always easy posting pictures-time to retire this old thing.

We've been busy at the pool, lake, sprinklers, and slip and slide. Anything to keep cool. I will have to start bringing my camera around with me more to capture all the moments, but I have been on a camera break these days.









I've watched my nephews Levi and Tucker a couple times and loved having them to myself for the day.







Fourth of July came and went and we lit fireworks over at the in-laws again and then went to Fireworks that night, but stayed parked in our car as the mosquitoes were so bad. We talked about heading to Duluth or the cities next year to show the kids some really great fireworks. We'll see if it happens. Sawyer still hates them as you can see and Jonnie loves them a little too much.





Jonnie finished up his baseball season. He went from loving it, to hating it, to back to liking it again. He struggled this year with confidence as there were some pretty great players on his team. His coaches were awesome and stressed that they were there for fun and winning didn't matter. I think it finally hit Jonnie in the end and he enjoyed himself more. He still wants to do it again next year-so far. His team ended up in 4th place after playoffs, so not bad!





Sawyer learned to go under water and has turned into a little fish. It's nice to have one of the kids not fearful of water at that age!



And the final pictures are of a family reunion on a houseboat on Green Lake. It was a beautiful day and we were surrounded by beautiful family! We all had a good time relaxing and eating snacks.









I am hoping to have a similar picture of Jon and I on a tropical island some day. A girl can dream can't she?







I am sure there were other highlights, but that is all I can think of (and took pictures of)at the moment. Hopefully, August will slow down a bit! I have started tutoring again this month, and Jonnie starts orchestra lessons in a week or so, so I am sure it will fly by again. Alaina is staying at her cousin Kate's for the week and having fun and she will return for Pennock fun days next weekend. The house definitely feels different without her!