I am going to take a card from my sister-in-law and show in a quick blast via photos what I have been up to in the last month. First off, to not paraphrase, holy shit, busy. I have never been so almost unbearably busy. Between work, soon moving, bills, and trying to maintain sanity, I have just enough energy to lift a fork to my face (incidentally Rachel has been cooking some masterpieces this summer).
I have not been able to travel and visit my family like I used to and it has been an adjustment that I have not taken on easily. Rachel is the only reason I have remained intact.
Here is my summer so far:
Cleaned out the mancave at The Ranch. Just another chapter coming to a close.
Some A-hole threw a chunk of cinderblock into my windshield while back in Dike for a weekend. Just a reminder that you can anticipate nothing.
Scrabble at Ada Hayden Park in Ames. Picked up sandwiches at Downtown Deli for supper. WONDERFUL evening out!
Fishing Adventure on the Des Moines River with Jon Jones and Rachel. This goes to show that my girl can fish!
A fishing trip is only complete with a carp in the boat.
Jon Jones Navigating....
A great photo of the happy couple after an enjoyable outing.
Got to finally meet Isabel!!! Baptism in Omaha. We stayed at Deb Comstock's new place for the quick visit.
"A man's life is judged by how great of an uncle he can be".
Missed the kidlets terribly.
Josh, Dad, and Isabel in the garden at Sara's Grandpa's retirement home.
The only way she likes to be held is like a sack of potatoes. I tried the conventional ways and she had none of it.
Stella is up to something as usual. :)
Many days I come home beat; beyond exhausted. This is what I get many days. I am a blessed man. Seriously.
This is why I come home zombified. First Paver-stone project. This was at the New Jethro's BBQ in Ankeny.
Cleaning up and getting out the hell out before rain...
All we were responsible for the the colored pavers. You wouldn't think this would be too difficult by the looks but that curve about ended my sanity.
Afternoon of July 4th we spent on the river with Jon Jones, Nick and Lisa, and my beloved Wife.
It's almost like we like each other!
Nick wanted a pic with Jon Jones in the background.
On the way home from fishing/swimming we came to the corner of Long Refuge at the old barn to see a fox pup on the side of the road.
He just kept getting closer.
Today we met up with Ryan and Megan at the Blank Park Zoo!
Spent my day with my little buddy. Truly soothes the soul.
Here we are feeding the fish. This was the first activity we convinced him to do.
The Train Ride!
Daxton was hot and tired. Despite that he was rather enthralled with the whole deal.
Dax enjoying the company of a pretty lady!
We spent the day trying to convince Ryker that a camel ride was a good idea. It took about 3 hours. I asked about every 15 minutes and the last time all he said was "yup". Megan and Rachel turned on a dime took him there. He followed through.
Not only did he do it, he was elated!
I always say I will do a better job of keeping up with this thing. I will do what I can...
Stay Tuned
