Veda's Family B-Day Party

Family tradition (organized by Kathy), ever kid gets a full on decorated kitchen, party hats and the opportunity to open presents during breakfast (while eating Dunkin Donuts)...not bad.  Veda had a good day, opening presents from the brother and sister.  Even got a movie date in with Dad (Shaun the Sheep).

Veda Birthday Party #1

Veda celebrated (2) birthday parties this year.  Because we decided to do a joint neighborhood party with Ethan (our good friend Rick & Christine Holmes' son), we let Veda do a small party with friends from her class.  After a long summer apart, many friends were happy to reunite just a few days before the start of second grade.  Veda wanted a reptile party, so we invited Cool Critters over with their pack of animals.  The favorites were the boa constrictor and the giant tortoise, which was the unwilling (and ironic) participant in a game of leap frog.

Rainbow over Cincinnati

Welcome to the Family

This little guy will be joining our family in about 2 weeks.  We've been planning to get a dog for the last two years, but just waiting until Winston was old enough.  I thought we were about 6 months away, but once we opened the door up to Veda, she started the aggressive Google search and constant pestering, so we broke.  This guys name is still TBD, but expect a name soon (and lots of pictures).

Little Helpers

Waiting for animal shaped pancakes on the counter.

Quick Iowa Trip for the Girls

Ninja Turtle Sighting

While on a bike ride, Adele yells to Winston, 'Hey Winston, there's ninja turtles down here.'  So, you go check it out.

4th of July 2015

July 4, 2015.

Building sand volcanos at the beach.

Lounging in the tube. 

The Landing super fans at the Clear Lake parade.

Clear Lake Fun

July 2, 2015.  

Boating with Papi

Early morning Muskie trip with Kevan Paul 

Country Music artist CJ Garton

Cleaning up at The Landing for pennies (literally).

The Sherman clan from way up north.

Dudes poundin it out.

Lounging at The Landing

Summer Trip to Iowa City

June 28, 2015.  Nice weekend trip back to Iowa City.  Bill treated us to a great brunch at Iowa River Power, which is a neat relic in IC.  The kids enjoyed the all you can eat buffet (mainly the giant desert bar).

Hunka Hunka Burning Love

Our resident Elvis impersonator.

Pony Rides at Compass

The Girl and the Goat

A funny pic that I just happened to capture in action while we were at the zoo, feeding the animals.

Gymnasts

Adele and Winston have really taken to their gymnastics classes. Adele has already been moved up two classes because she's picked it up very quickly.  Everything in our home has turned into a prop, including the back of our couch (which is the new balance beam).  Everywhere we go, Adele does cartwheels, including Target, restaurants, parking lots, etc.

Dave Matthews at Riverbend

June 5, 2015.  Went to Dave Matthews with our friends Luke and Emily.  They 'won' six box seats at a silent auction.  Fun times had by all, just like we were back in college :)

Too Fast for Sleeves

Suns out, guns out.  This guy couldn't wait to throw on his sleeveless tee to show off the guns at the neighborhood block party (at the Munoz house).

Catch up Mode

Been a busy summer at the Laabs house, so blogging has taken a back seat.  Since getting back from Disney, it seems we've been going non stop this summer.  Completion of school, some fun weekend trips here and there.  A couple trips back to Iowa and now summer is almost complete (kids go back to school in less than two weeks).