Tom, Karla, Emily (9), Nick (6)

We went to the Omaha zoo this summer, it was a great day weathter wise and we think everbody else thought the same thing.
Had a good time, have not been there since Emily was 2, she is 9 now.

Kate's 6th Birthday

Here is a photo of my daughter Kate's 6th birthday party. (Is she really 6 already?!)

Summer Vacation with Marv, Fran, and Dawn & family

This was taken last weekend at the beach house we stayed at when mom & dad were here in Oregon visiting. We probably won't make it back to Iowa this year, so it was great to have that time with them here!

What's Happened To Summer?

Hope it's been a good summer for everyone. Seeing how quiet the blog has been, I'm guessing that it's been a busy one too. Bob and I are the proud owners of a new boat this year so we've been having fun exploring the lakes around the area and are hoping to plan a trip to Minnesota in August to visit Nancy, Mike and Jordan.

Shane's summer has mostly been spent working but he and some friends did find time to make a short trip to Kansas City last month. Hard to believe but he will be heading back to school in just four weeks. This year he is also changing apartments...actually moving next door to his current apartment...so is heading to Ames on Friday so he can do his share of the clean-up of their current place before they must be all moved out next week. He'll also have three new roommates, so that will be a change for him.

Got to see Dan and Sherri a couple of weeks ago when they came to town for a quick visit and the Langel family reunion.

Our gardens and flowers are growing very well with all of the rain we've had this summer. Earlier this spring I rescued this old wagon wheel/mailbox from a junk pile and did a little painting to give it a new life in my flower bed. Instead of mail, it now holds my garden gloves and tools so they are handy when I'm out working in the yard!

Hope everyone is doing well -- our prayers are always with the Kraus family and for Kathy and her family this summer.