Recent reads.

Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover- This was my first Colleen Hoover read. She had been on my list for awhile because I heard SO many people talking about her books and recommending them. I heard someone say this one was good, and this is the available one I could find for my kindle before a trip I was taking, so this was the one. It's about Kenna, who just served years in prison for a tragic mistake, and returned to town to try to connect with her daughter, though everyone is trying to shut her out. She connects with Ledger, who also has a connection to her daughter, and they fall in love and it's about the balance of risk and trust. It was an enjoyable read. A bit too steamy at times. Not my favorite, but good. The ending was sweet.

What Women Fear: Walking in Faith that Transforms by Angie Smith- I had read this book for a women's Bible study group many years ago and remember loving it, and our women in our life group did it again last year. I think this is a great book to read with a group of women! I love how she weaves personal stories along with Biblical stories in each chapter. Chapters are about different fears such as fear of abandonment, fear of trusting God's plan, fear of what if, fear of death, etc. I found every single chapter to be incredibly relatable and got a lot out of each one!

On Our Knees: 40 Days to Living Boldly in Prayer by Phil Wickham- Kley and I just finished reading this together. We did it in much longer than 40 days, but we got it done! There is scripture in the beginning of each day, then a devotional, ending with a prayer and questions at the end (so Kley and I broke each day into three parts and read a little before bed at night). It was a great devotional, and I just love every song Phil Wickham ever comes out with!

Fair and Adventureland fun in Des Moines.

The girls and I came to Des Moines for a few days for some back to school fun! (Kley had to stay back to work.) We came on Monday and were able to hang out for awhile with my brother Keaton and his family, before they left on Tuesday for a trip. Tuesday we went to the fair with my mom (my dad and sister Kayla were working), and Wednesday my dad and Kayla were able to join too for Adventureland! We headed home Thursday morning.

The girls had never been to Adventureland before and I hadn't been in a a long time (maybe 15 years?). It was SO much fun to take them! All three girls love rides. Ellory not quite as much as Norah and Lucy, but she rode a couple of the bigger roller coasters! One she liked and one was too bumpy, but she was brave! Norah was super brave and tried a crazy coaster that was super fast and was her first upside down ride (she went totally willingly, not forced!), and unfortunately really didn't like it, but she was so brave to try! She tried a few others though, Lucy too, and those were a hit.

The girls played two games at the very end and amazingly came away with two prizes! They did the pick the duck with a net game where everyone wins, but I thought they'd get a tootsie roll or something, but they actually got a decent sized stuffed animal! And then they did another game of throwing the ball into these holes and the worker was incredibly sweet and let them keep trying until they got it, so they got another small stuffed animal keychain. They loved it!

Lucy rode the motorcycle while Norah, Ellory, and I were on the tilt-a-whirl in the background. Lucy is adventurous but doesn't always love to spin fast on rides. 

My dad, Kayla, and Norah on these super high spinning swings. My mom, Ellory, Lucy, and I rode the bumper cars. Most of the rides we all did together, but a few we split up for different wants.

Another set of swings.

As much as I would have loved to have Kley join, he really hates rides and wouldn't have liked this day as much as we did, so it was a fun group of 7 that could all do lots of "big kid" rides together!

First ride of the day- hopped on the carousel right when we walked in. The weather was cooler and the lines weren't bad at all- it was a wonderful day to go! We were there for almost the entire time it was open!

The fair was fun too! I'm so glad it was a cooler weather week because it made these outside events way better. We were there about five hours and that was the perfect length for us. 

We rode the Sky Glider, Giant Slide, saw the butter cow, biggest pig, biggest cow, animal barn, watched the one man band and part of a horse show, had lunch and a treat, and enjoyed walking around and taking it all in. It was fun!

Thankful for a fun few days and that we could do two special outings before school starts soon!

Lucy and Ellory recently.

It's past time for an update! Lucy and Ellory are growing up and doing great! Being their parents is a joy and we are so thankful for the gift of their lives. They finished up first grade very well. Having their own classes last year worked out really well and they enjoyed having their own class. Both got great reviews at conferences and we are thankful for their friends and growth in school! Lucy and Ellory enjoyed winter rec basketball and spring rec soccer and did great! They also continued on with Sunday School and piano lessons. Their piano teacher, Mel, is moving away and we are sad because she was wonderful, but it worked out great that they could start summer lessons right away with Heidi (Norah's teacher and their past Kindermusik teacher). Lucy and Ellory each played two songs at Norah' piano lessons (because Mel didn't do piano recitals), and they were nervous but did great! We also had a great time back in January at Great Wolf Lodge as the big Christmas present for the girls.

We celebrated Lucy and Ellory turning 7 in February! What a joy to celebrate two of our favorite girls and biggest blessings! They had a party with family and a party with friends at Kinderzone. Ellory's party theme was rainbows and Lucy's was superheroes. Right after their birthday, both Lucy and Ellory got influenza and were super sick for a few days unfortunately. In the spring, we got to spend Easter in Des Moines and Omaha with family and we had a wonderful time at Tulip Festival!

We have been busy over the summer- grateful for the opportunity to participate in many activities and take several trips! We got to take a couple quick trips to Des Moines for family time and went to Omaha for the 4^th of July too. We went to Clear Lake for a few days in July with the Schuts and enjoyed lots of lake time. We went to Chicago with De Jongs for a long weekend in August and enjoyed Lake Michigan, Willis Tower, aquarium, and a super fun highlight was the American Girl doll store! Lucy and Ellory got to do many fun things this summer. They both did summer softball, swimming lessons, piano lessons, VBS, a short dance camp, short adventure camp at Oak Grove, short big kid camp at Kinderzone, and loved the craft class at the library. Many fun things!

Lucy and Ellory are about to start 2^nd grade! I think overall they both seem excited for the year and will do great! They were both, especially Ellory, a little nervous to not have close friends in their classes, but we have been talking about making new friends, being a good friend, and still seeing everyone they know at lunch and recesses. Praying for a great year for both of them, that they can grow and enjoy school and try their best! Both are wearing M/8 clothes and Lucy will jump to a 13 shoe and Ellory a 1 shoe for the school year. We did one on one dates for back to school shopping and it was fun to see them pick out clothes they liked! On March 30, Ellory lost her top left central incisor, and on June 1, Lucy lost her bottom left lateral incisor. They had their wellness check in April, and so glad they are healthy and growing! Ellory was 4' tall and 51 lbs. Lucy was 4'1” and 50 lbs.

Lucy loves sports of all kinds and loves to participate with excitement and determination! She loves riding her bike, throwing balls, playing soccer/football/softball, listening to music, and favorite toys are hot wheels cars, magna tiles, Lil Woodzeez and playmobil figurines, and puzzles.. Ellory is excited to start tap and jazz dance this year! She enjoys listening to music, reading books, dolls, figurines, and crafts. The pool has been a favorite summer activity by all. Lucy and Ellory, we pray His love for you would grow in your hearts and that you would shine for Him! We love you so much!