:: The Ballard Bunch ::

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Summer 2015 - August

August we spent lots more time making the most of our summer! The girls caught a bit of a cold and I got the stomach flu the beginning part of August so we had one week without much going on. Otherwise, we've been busy playing with friends, discovering more fun hikes in Iowa, swimming, and just having a blast.

Michael built a bigger fire pit in our backyard and helped bale more hay. In fact, he even drove a tractor. He pretty much wants to be a farmer now.While he worked on the fire pit the girls helped out and played cowgirls. We never dreamed we'd like rural living as much as we do, but we love it! After spending busy weeks in Utah, it was so nice to come home and get back to a slower pace.

I adore this picture.

The fire pit in progress.

One of the highlights of this month was spending a day at the State Fair. Here in Iowa, the State Fair is a big deal. It was huge! We were there from 9am until 7:30pm and not once did any of the kids ask to go home. In fact, they were sad to leave. We saw animals, enjoyed hands on kids farming exhibits, watched a few shows, played and played, and of course had some amazing Fair food! We will definitely be going back next year.

The butter cow! 600 pounds of butter sculpted in to a cow!

Hazel, Eliza, and Haley

Lenora ready to help on the farm.

She sticks out her tongue when she concentrates just like Mommy and Hazel.

Eliza gathering eggs.

Clayton and Eliza.

Lenora driving the tractor.

"Milking" a cow.

Pink Tractor!

Corn Brat!

Lenora and graduation Cy.

It's been an incredible summer, but it will also be nice to get back to a regular schedule. Michel went back to teaching yesterday and has started his Doctorate classes as well. Hazel starts school Thursday, and Eliza starts pre-school the following Monday. With school starting fall is just around the corner! Fall is always my favorite season, and this year it's bringing something extra special - our baby boy!

Sunday, August 16, 2015

July week 4 - Camping in Colorado and Back Home!

We spent the last few days of our vacation in Colorado at a family reunion for my dad's family. Spending time in the mountains was good for my soul! We camped, enjoyed fires, played in the lake, and relaxed. The girls had a blast playing with their second cousins Max and Josie.

Hazel and Max

Daddy in the kayak.

Mommy and Lenora on a ride!

Max and Hazel chopping wood. They did surprisingly well.

Paddle board

Little E!

Jake and Brenna

Eliza and Gabby

Lenora napping in the shade. In her suit of course.

We went on a kayak "date" one afternoon and paddled around by ourselves.

Sunday we decided to head to town for church. We had no way to shower so we just stopped at a gas station to wash up a bit and change. All things considered we looked okay and it was great to be at church.

Crafts with cousins.

Ms. Adorable

Brenna and Eliza.

One night my aunt Jennifer taught Hazel and Max a dance and they put on a show for us.

Then we let them stay up late playing with glow sticks and flashlights. They were in heaven!

Meanwhile the boys played horseshoes.

After a few nights of camping we headed down to Denver to visit with my Grandpa. Sadly, I didn't get a picture. We met our good friends Doug and Cristy for dinner then spent the night in Denver. Tuesday we started the drive back home to Iowa. After a long trip it was nice to come home. And the amazing thing is, right now, Iowa really does feel like home. We may not be here forever, but for now, we feel we belong and I'm so thankful for that!