...Spinning Over My Head...

(This is way over past due)!
Pat Benatar, one of Monica's favorite singers, was playing at the Iowa State Fair. Daddy and Mommy couldn't let the chance pass, Monica HAD to see her! So she had a little one on one and a fun experience going to the grand stand at the fair.

Our seats were kind of far, but we moved up closer when she started playing the good stuff!

Daddy's shoulders make for the best view.

Monica & The Flute

Monica is in the beginners choir in Joy Singers (mommy is an assistant). Her teacher, Mrs. Snow, is going to be introducing the kids to a new instrument each week by playing music and having a mom, dad, or friend come into the class to play it and let the kids touch and see the instrument. The first week was the flute. We listened to some Beethoven music and then a mom (who is the other assistant for the class) played the flute for them, teaching them how to blow correctly over the blow hole. The kids were mesmerized (mommy so wishes she had her camera). Afterwards the kids colored a picture of the flute. Monica even drew in Mrs. Heather playing, so cute!

Frogs & Toads

Because of the wet summer there are frogs and toads every where in Iowa. We find one almost every single day. Ayva is loving it. She found this one on the "park" in or backyard. She wanted to keep it. But we don't have the cage yet (we are getting one though cause we have a frog at a friend's house waiting for us). She played with this little guy all afternoon, feeding it and all! Little Miss Nuturer!
Can you see the absolute joy in her face?

Favorite Necklace

When we visit California Ayva's favorite thing to do is to go to the shell shop in Seal Beach. The necklace she's wearing in this picture is from there. It's her favorite necklace and she rarely takes it off. It swims with her, sleeps with her, and even showers with her!
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Rediscovering old books!

The kid's book shelf is filled with huge animal books loaded with pictures and information. When Owen was little he'd look through them independently for hours and he'd also have us read sections on certain animals. He's been rediscovering these books lately because now he can read about all the animals himself. He's been choosing to take these books in the car. It's adorable!
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Owen's 8!

Sweet, enthusiastic, creative, bouncy Owen is EIGHT!!

We didn't have time (and mama didn't have energy) to do a full on 8 year old shoot with all our vacations and grandma visiting. But we managed to put on one of his favorite shirts and mess around with his favorite toys for this! There are only a few, but they are totally him!

Mini Shoot in Omaha

These pictures are from a mini shoot in a back alley in Omaha. These kids are just too photogenic!