Kicking Off Summer in Iowa

Ella's last day of school finally arrived last Tuesday. She had a fantastic kindergarten year, and is already excited for first grade. But first, summer break!! Bright and early, we left town the following morning for a week in Iowa at Grandma and Grandpa C's house. Abby and Maya were also visiting, and we loved spending time with them as well, even spending Abby's birthday together. We also got to celebrate Great Grandma P's 80th birthday, which was really special. As always, we packed in the fun, and were sad to leave. But we're excited for the summer adventures ahead!

A trip to Iowa in the summer always means fishing at the pond. 

This girl is obsessed with shoes, especially those that belong to other people.

A cousin pow-wow at Great Grandma P's birthday lunch.

She has to buckle everything herself theses days.

A trip to the farm for pony rides.

Just like her mother, Ella loved playing a race car video game.

 Ella's last day of school!

My baby is such a big girl.

Reading a book from her teacher after the last day of school.

Saying goodbye to her teacher.

Ice cream after school.

Ella eating her ice cream in the middle of the turf after school.

Grandma and her babies.

It was pretty cool in Iowa, but we got one pool day!

More fishing fun.

Abby and Maya at the pond.

I love this picture. 

Setting up the tent for a night of camping with Papa. 

These sweet girls are going to be great buddies.

Pony rides.

Bedtime stories with Papa.

Great Grandma P and her children, Joan, Sue, and Todd.

The crew.

Maeve didn't want her picture taken.

Jack loved Grandma's vacuum.

GG had all sorts of treasures for her great grandkids!

GG and Maya.

Ella has a sweet relationship with GG.

Picnic at a park.

Doing some housework for Grandma.

Doughnuts on the deck.

"Grandma, can I have a taste? Can I have a lot of tastes?"

Aunt Abby finally got this kid to take a nap!

An attempt at a group photo.