Ryan Family Reunion

 This summer we headed back to the farm once again for the Ryan Family Reunion.  Though the weekend was short, it certainly wasn't short on activities.  The best part was experiencing this with extended family.

One afternoon we headed up to the Homestead National Monument.  I remember this place as a child when we visited on school field trips.  This ignited a spark with John and I to visit our national parks more often. 

 Learning about the various equipment used for farming in the past.

 We went on a hike to see what the prairie was like when settlers were here.

 The kids participated in the Junior Ranger activity.  When completed they were sworn in by the park ranger and received their Junior Ranger badges.  We were dubbed the Not-So-Junior Ranger (not making this name up) and even received a pin stating so.

  One last stop was to visit the Freedman school.  Hard to believe this school still held classes until the 1960's!

 Opa delighted most everyone's stomachs with oysters.  It didn't take long for the 90 some of them to be gone.

A few fireworks were also lighted.  Everyone participated in the parachute contest (always a highlight).

One of the more fun activities was the Ryan talent show.  Each family was charged with showing a talent.  We did this for the Bures family reunion a few years back which was hilarious.

 John, Emily and a shy Michael.

 Cathy and Avery playing a duet.

 Opa stole the show with his magic tricks and hooey stick.

 The Dieckman's luau special.

 Yoga time with Pat (and a now not-so-shy Michael).

The Silverplatters (aka Barkoudah family) - from the Brady Bunch

 The weekend we were back, Odell held its annual Odell Community Days.  This drum group from Omaha was very entertaining.  Of course nothing beats a parade that throws out candy and frisbees. 

 The pool bus is back!

 Izzy entered the watermelon eating contest.  We were all surprised by her winning first place.  She beat second place by minutes.  Who knew she has this talent!

 Izzy's prized winnings.

 The kids stood in line long enough to get airbrushed tattoos.

 There was a sidewalk calk contest.  Micah and Victoria joined forces.  They won their age division.

 There were a few chuckles because of this clown including picking on the 2 Johns and making a pregnant Emily into a bunny.

Farm Fun

 Besides the Gage County Fair, farm fun included fishing with Opa and John while Oma and I spend a day shopping.  Izzy was yet again crowned as the catfish queen (she was the only one who caught one).  Micah and Victoria caught bluegills.  If looks could talk, Victoria is saying "I'm not touching that thing!".

A trip to the farm also includes visiting the Children's Zoo in Lincoln.

 

 My own baby eagles.  Looks like they are hungry.

 We attended an animal encounter learning about the Serval.  What an amazing animal.  His ability to jump was astounding. 

 We've always enjoyed feeding the camels.  These guys were ready for a treat.

 The finale is riding the train that loops around the zoo.  Memories of when I was a child with my own grandparents.

Summer would not be summer without some pool time.  We made tremendous strides this year as both Micah and Victoria went down the big slide by themselves! 

We also stopped by to say high to grandma and checked out her new apartment.

It's Fair Time!

 We headed back to the farm the week of the Gage County fair.  Similar to when I was younger, the week before the fair is filled with last minute projects.  Each of the kids entered something they cooked.  Micah choose banana muffins (the only fruit he'll eat) and Victoria chocolate chip cookies.

Izzy and I worked on a crafter's apron.  She picked out all these fabrics by herself.  We went through 2 sewing machines which made the experience not as fun as it should.  I caved and bought myself a new Bernina... which I LOVE.  Izzy did as well and finished this up super quite.  It certainly helps to have the right equipment for the job.

 This year Izzy was old enough to joing 4-H.  As we do not live in Gage County, she was able to be an independent 4-Her.  Her first experience was a table setting contest.  Izzy had to decide on the décor and choose a menu to accompany the theme.

 Izzy was tickled pink that many of her project received purple ribbons including her apron!  The judges loved her fabric combinations as well.

 Micah & Victoria entered projects in Open Class as they are not old enough to be in 4-H (yet).  The Wonder Woman and Batman logos out of legos were one of our favorites.

 Much to everyone's surprise, Micah won champion in his division for his banana muffins!

Oma let us pick through her flowers on the farm to enter as well.

 The fair would not be the fair without games and rides in the midway.

Izzy was talking about the hang-glider ride ever before we made it to the fair.  Next year its Opa's turn to ride with her.

Martha's Vineyard Weekend

 We made another trip out to Martha's Vineyard this summer staying with John's brother and his family.  We invited Bonnie (Izzy's BFF) to join us.  Beach fun included catching crabs with our left over lunchmeat from our sandwiches.

 Having Bonnie with us was fun on many levels.  The girls loved playing in the ocean together.  John and I couldn't resist showing off our water shoes from Six Flags.  The shoes we originally bought got lost.  We were left buying what was available inside the park.  Being the 4th of July, these were the only option.

 Boogie boards are always so much fun.

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 The older kids one evening headed out on John's brother, Jim's boat.  The girls drove the boat with very serious faces.  Izzy caught a sea bass.

 While the older kids were out in the boat, I stayed with Micah & Victoria.  We have learned quickly that Micah gets motion sick.  We decided to spend our time in an air conditioned arcade.  Leave it to Victoria to rack up mega points.  She willingly shared with Micah so that they each walked away with great prizes.

Riding America's oldest carousel, The Flying Horse and eating ice cream.  Can't beat that combination.

 One evening we fished along the shore line.  Bonnie caught the most amount of fish even compared to the adults.

 Micah and Victoria played in the sand.  I love these two pictures because they showcase each of their personalities to a tee!

This was probably my favorite part of the trip.  Izzy saw a shell in the shallow part of the ocean.  She couldn't quite reach it without getting her close wet.  Little did we know the chonch was still living in his shell!  Back into the ocean he went after many oohs and aahs.