George and his corn that he grew from a seed Papaw Hested sent him. The seeds were distributed in the "Iowa" magazine as part of a contest to see who could grow the tallest corn. Great Grandpa Powers would be proud of him.
Zack finished up his baseball season in mid-July. Joe helped coach this year which he really enjoyed.
The Vermeer Mill in Pella, Iowa. The boys and I stopped here for a visit on our way home from central Iowa. They grind whole wheat flour using the wind energy to power the mill. Pella's claim to fame is their Dutch heritage and a big tulip festival each spring.
At the bottom of the windmill
Outside on the windmill next to the wheel used to move the blades so they always face into the wind. We are on the "balcony" around the blades if you look back at the first picture of the windmill.
Visiting the historic Dutch village in Pella
Trying on clogs
Zack had another great season on the swim team. We missed the final banquet and were very happy to learn Zack earned a special award. He got the 110% award which is voted on by the coaches for a swimmer in each age group that they feel always gives 110%.
Way to go Zack! We're proud of you.
The coaches also give each swimmer a fun award. Zack wasn't so sure what to think about this one.
George did awesome in his first ever organized sport. His ribbons are from his participation in the kick board relay at each meet. We'll be sure to see him in more races next year. His fun award says, "Kicking Man". Great job George!
We headed to the Magic House, the amazing children's museum, to beat the heat one day. I've been with the boys 3 times and we still do something new each time.
Andy practicing to be a big brother at the baby nursery. He was giving the baby a bath and feeding him at the same time.
A visit to the St. Louis zoo with friends. What a wonderful zoo and admission is free!
George enjoying the penguins, one of his favorite animals from the day.
Going for a ride on the carousel
Andy didn't want to ride on an animal this time. I sat with him on the bench.
George informed me he wanted to ride on a puffin. I'm not sure how he knew the name of it!
A boy having fun, this picture makes me smile.
In preparation for the upcoming soccer season, George and Zack went to a soccer camp last week in the evenings. Thankfully it had cooled down and they had great weather. George is the one in the plaid shorts to the left of the coach.
I caught George on camera finishing up a somersault on the field. What a hoot!
Zack loves soccer. He loves to run!
Farewell from the boys of summer, hello new school year!
The boys and their mommy are excited for the new school year. Zack will be in third grade, George is starting kindergarten and Andy will go to 3 year old pre-school 2 days a week, all at Sacred Heart. Thursday will be an exciting day at our house.
Finally, this summer was also bittersweet as we said goodbye to my grandpa who died on July 16. Read the post Farewell Grandpa from My Pocket Full of Rocks blog if you haven't had a chance. Grandpa, we love you and we miss you.
