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.

Pre-K Graduation

One of many milestone is Pre-K graduation.  Micah & Victoria's school (Little Corner Schoolhouse) has an amazing celebration easing the transition into KINDERGARTEN!  Micah & Victoria have been attending LCSH since infants.  Similar to Izzy, they have bonds with peers that they have been with their whole lives.



 A cornerstone in my children's lives has been Wayne Potash.  What a singing local legend for young one.  He worked with the children on 6 back to back songs; two being in foreign languages (Spanish and Japanese).  Micah was so intense on the moves.  Victoria preferred to be mischievous with her red headed fiery friend, Ava.

I was asked to give a few words which was so meaningful.  I've been a part of the LCSH family for 8 years.  Izzy gave the opening remarks which was fun.  She did an amazing job standing up and speaking in front of the crowd.

 Part of Micah & Victoria's curriculum was theatre.  They spent weeks developing their play including costumes, music and lines.  Their play was about the animals of the rainforest.

 Completely not surprised Victoria was a butterfly.  She was in her element.

Micah was a monkey... a very cute one at that, bowtie and all.

 Despite rain, we all ventured outside for treats from the ice cream truck.  This was the perfect cherry on top for their graduation ceremony.