Splash Pad

This past Sunday, it was a sunny and warm, so we thought it would be a good day to try out the splash pad in Waterloo.  For those who don't know what a splash pad is (don't worry, I didn't either) an area for water play with no standing water.  There are sprinklers that go on and off.  The one in Waterloo is by the river.  Aiden didn't really ever run directly through the sprinklers- he mainly hung to the edges.  It was still an enjoyable afternoon!

A view of the river

There was a jungle gym (to the right) for big kids and a jungle gym (to the left) for little kids.  Both were a bit warm to the touch, since the sun had been shining.

Photo Book

Here's a book I just made documenting Aiden's last year:

Click here to view this photo book larger

You'll love Shutterflys award-winning photo books. Try it today.

4th of July

We didn't have much planned for the 4th.  Doug had to work that evening, so we decided to grill and do our big meal for lunch.  The men manned the grill, and the women worked on the sides.  Grandma also had the ever important job of keeping Aiden entertained and out of the way.  We had gone to the library earlier in the week, and the craft was a 4th of July hat.  Aiden wasn't really interested in making it- but Mommy was, so we made it.  He has enjoyed wearing it around on random occasions.

Testing the waters

Doug caught him mid-stretch. Sure looks like a good pose!

Aiden's take on how he should wear it.

Gotta have some V8 Juice to refresh! Oh, and Go Cubs!

Shucking the corn.

Aiden loved corn on the cob- he had a whole ear!

Life at Grandma and Grandpa Goodenbour's

Doug's parents have been awesome- letting us invade their lives for a few months.  Aiden has also been loving the extra attention.  He can be a little bossy at times, for instance, "Sit down Mama (Grandma). Here."  Even if 'here' is in a nearly impossible location.  This was one of those times, when Aiden insisted Grandma sit in a very tiny area, and then lay (or is it lie, I can never remember) down...

Swimming Time

While we're staying at Grandma and Grandpa Goodenbour's, we don't have access to all of our toys.  We did keep our little pool available.  Aiden is definitely a water lover!  We filled the pool one morning and jumped right in that afternoon- the water was freezing! He didn't seem to mind.  Lately he hasn't been 'swimming' as much, more so getting in and out of the pool, or using measuring cups to carefully water Grandma's flowers.

A second time swimming, we decided to go sans-swim shorts.

Daddy getting in and realizing how COLD the water is

He leads a rough life, huh?

Week in Eldora

My mom had to take a week-long class in Des Moines.  This fell during the same week as our church's Vacation Bible School.  So, I volunteered to teach her normal class.  So, Aiden and I headed to Eldora for a week.  When I was teaching in the morning, Aiden hung out with 'Boppa Steve' and Ashley.  Ashley's dog Dakota was also visiting.  It took Aiden a few days to warm up to her, but then he wouldn't leave her alone. They became best buds!

Watching the neighbors outside.

It kind of looks like Dakota is biting Aiden, but she isn't.  She's just kissing him and Aiden is hugging her.

Weekend Getaway: Des Moines

Before Doug started work at Cherry Berry, we decided to take a little family vacation.  We didn't want to go too far, so we settled on Des Moines.  We just stayed one night, but packed the two days full of fun!  We headed to Des Moines after lunch, so that Aiden would nap for most of the ride- which he did.  We arrived in town and went to the zoo- Aiden loved it!

After the zoo, we went and checked into our hotel and then ate some supper.  We then headed to an Iowa Cubs game.  I don't remember who they were playing.  We managed to stay until the end of the 6th inning (about an hour past Aiden's bedtime).  Aiden didn't really care about the game- he was just excited for his own seat and a chocolate malt cup.

The next morning we went to the Science Center.  We neglected to note that there was also a Farmer's Market going on in the same area- so getting there and  finding parking was a little tricky, but we made it.  The exhibits were a little old for Aiden, but I think he still enjoyed it.  

This is Aiden INSIDE an exhibit.  He is not supposed to be in there, but he crawled under the netting.  We were finally able to coax him close enough to grab him and pull him back under.