Run to Win Camp

The boys participated in the Run to Win camp again. This time Ollie was old enough and Zephyr joined them again. They all had a great time. I didn't take very many pictures and I just have these two videos of them doing their warm up. 

They are already looking forward to going next year. 

Field House BBQ

On Sunday we had a family BBQ at the Des Moines Field House. This was the lowest attended event but it was still fun. It was nice to actually meet some of my friends kids and its amazing to see where life has taken us. 

Everyone was shocked when they heard I had five kids.  There next response was usually "so what else do you do?"  All I could give them is ....not much.  :)   

I'm so thankful for my friends, old and new, near and far.  I am a very lucky and blessed person.   

Emerald Downs

Our 2nd and more formal night was scheduled at Emerald Downs.  My friend planned this with her introverted husband in mind. She wanted something to keep him entertained while she was catching up with friends.  This was such a great idea and ended up being a great venue for this kind of thing.  Brad had a blast and even won $100.  He was getting some insider information from his 2nd cousin Steve, so all of my friends were waiting for Brad's bet for the next race.  

It was also fun seeing some of my classmates. 

My friend Christi who took on planning almost 80% of the festivities.  She did a great job! 

All Star Bar

I had my 20 year high school reunion last weekend. I was a little involved with the planning so felt that I needed to go to all 3 events we planned....plus I wanted to go to all of them. I absolutely loved high school so this is this kind of thing I have been looking forward to.  The only downside is that not everyone has the same enthusiasm as I do/did so there weren't nearly as many people there as I wanted.  Nonetheless I had lots of fun. 

On Friday night we had an informal gathering at the All-Star Bar in Des Moines.  We had a little pre-funk party at my friend (Kara)'s house before.  It was such a great time seeing some old but familiar faces. 

From our pre-party. 

Ice Cream Break

Last week Brad had his cross country camp. Brody and Brad went over to Bainbridge Island on Saturday then they went to camp on Sunday. I took the rest of the kids on Monday. We drove around instead of taking the ferry.  Apparently not a great idea since we had three car sick episodes.  Thankfully there wasn't too much to clean up, but no fun. 

I didn't take very many pictures of our time there. 

But here are a few pictures from our ice cream break down at the beach. 

I forgot how messy a two year old gets when they eat ice cream.  

Bella's Birthday Party

Our neighbor, Bella had her birthday party. Even though it was a colder, overcast day we still showed up at the beach park only to learn that the party was at the house. Oh well, the kids still had fun and especially loved hitting the Pinata. And I did a terrible job getting pictures. 

Practice

Brody getting a little more practice on his rollerblades. He is getting better....thank goodness!