Happy Independence Day!

This morning the kiddos and I headed out early on a road trip to my aunt's house.  Doug wasn't able to join us because the corn does not stop pollinating just because it is a holiday.  My dad and I brought our fryers, and Dad fried pickles, fish and fries for lunch.  Every one else brought the sides and desserts, and it was fabulous!

The kiddos were excited to meet their newest cousin, Blaine

Even Julianne wanted to give some lovin' to the baby!

Reba and Dallas also enjoyed holding Blaze, whom they had not seen since Great-Grandpa's birthday party.

When we got home the fireworks were just starting, so we picked up Daddy and drove down the road to a little subdivision to watch.  All the kiddos loved them, even Julianne was cheering!

Until next time...

Independence Day Celebration

Some friends of ours were kind enough to invite us over for a cookout and fireworks being held in their community.  The kiddos loved the food and games!

We couldn't believe how many boxes of fireworks they hauled in for later!

Once it turned dark, the sparklers started coming out and the fireworks started going up!

Dallas loved watching the fireworks, but hated the sound.

Reba on the other hand, loved it all!

Here are some pictures I was able to capture

The "show" last just shy of 40 minutes!  It was the best backyard display I have ever seen.

Until next time...

It's Fun to be a Fan!

This past Saturday, we took Dallas to his second Cedar Rapids Kernels game. Only this time, we had a big party! There was 11 of us in all, and it was a perfect night to be at the ballpark. The Kernels were playing Kane County, and they ended up winning 1-0 thanks to a home run in the bottom of the 7th. There were fireworks after the game...and Dallas loved them...no crying this time!

Go Kernels!


Check it out...while the above picture was being taken, the camera guy found Dallas and put him on the jumbo-tron!


Watching the game with Grandma Bergman


Row 1 of our group...(I was sitting beside Mom)


Row 2 of the group...


The fireworks after the Kernels victory!


They handed out 3-D glasses to watch the fireworks...here's what it looked it:


Dallas watched the fireworks with Grandma this time.


A family pic after the game


Can't go to the game without having a beer!


Big kisses for Aunt Lisa


Until next time...

Leading up to the 4th of July

After returning home on the 29th of June, Doug and I spent the next four nights volunteering with our church's vacation bible school. The theme was "Who Shall Climb the Mountain of the Lord?" Each night focused on one or two different sacraments...Monday: Baptism and Confirmation, Tuesday: Holy Eucharist, Wednesday: Anointing of the Sick and Reconciliation, Thursday: Marriage and Holy Orders. It was a great turn out! We had over 30 kids participate. Doug and I were in charge of the game section. Thankfully, we had awesome weather and were able to play outside (and include some water!)

On Thursday, the 3rd of July, Dallas had another therapy appointment with Leslie. He again has made progress on his neck strength, but is still a little behind for his age. Dallas loves to sit upright now - he gets very cranky when you try to cradle him. Honestly, it is best for him to sit upright because it forces him to work on building up those neck muscles. He does a great job of turning his head to the left when laying on his tummy and when sitting up. He still has a lot of trouble when laying on his back.

Doug's parents and sister made the trip out to Iowa on the 3rd, and my parents, grandma, and sisters made the trip on the 4th. They came not only for the holiday weekend, but also to witness Dallas' baptism! (More on that later) The night of the 4th, we went to Williamsburg to watch fireworks. Dallas loved them! He did get a little scared at the end when they were shooting the fireworks off very quickly for the grand finale, but he was also hungry so that made him more upset.

Getting ready for the fireworks!


I wasn't able to get too many pictures of the fireworks because I was holding Dallas, but here is one of the better ones.


After the fireworks were over...and a little bit of food was in the belly!


Until next time...