Riding the Dixie

Somone had given us tickets to ride the Dixie paddlewheel boat last summer, but we had already gone.  So, we finally took advantage of a cooler evening and went out again.  It takes a 90 minute ride around the lake and gives some history of the lake and surrounding area.  The girls love it, and were especially happy that since the Dixie was celebrating it's 83rd year they had free cake!  Score.

 Our neighbor Ron was the captain that night, and he let kids try their hand at guiding the boat

 So excited to buy a soda!

 Our precious girls!

 Our favorite spot on the boat, not very crowded, and there is always a breeze.

 the paddle wheel

 Maria's shots

 Anna's shot

 we saw a blue heron resting

 self-portrait

We have plenty to praise God for; settling in for our new routine.

Water fun

 our nephew Trey, 11 years old, I can hardly believe it.  He stayed overnight with us last weekend.

 We spent some time at the Epworth Forest camp beach.  The girls were so much more comfortable in the water.  We love our Puddle Jumper floaties they have.

 I think Trey was going to come and surprise Maria...

 but then she turned around!

 haha, escaped!

 waiting for the Lake Webster fireworks...eating a little popcorn.

 She said she was trying to catch the fireworks.  She also kept saying she didn't like them and that they were too loud, but notice the ear protection, courtesy of Trey, which are just lying in her lap.  I think she was one sleepy 3 year old, since we didn't get to bed till 11pm.

 Maria seemed to enjoy them, but stole the ear protection later and said the fireworks were putting her to sleep!

 We went to grandma and grandpa's house the next day to meet Aunt Michele to puck up Trey and drop Maria for a couple days of VBS at their church.  Here is Maria helping grandma dig up potatoes.

 looking at the roots

 Anna helping(?) daddy with the onions.

 more potatoes

 We went to the Purdue campus, where grandpa works at the library.  He will retire next year after 36 years there, so wanted the girls to see where he works.  We spent some time playing in the fountains.

 it was a nice relief from the heat.

 cold!

We have plenty to praise God for; spending time with our family.

summer

 The girls have enjoyed swim lessons for the past two weeks.  Maria has gotten more confident, although she still doesn't care for jumping in, especially in the deep end.  Anna can't move herself around the pool as well as Maria can, but she's got a couple years to catch up to big sis!

We were excited to have our friends come to visit today, even though it was sweltering today.  The thermometer was reading 103, and that is on the shady side of our house!  Yikes, we'll stay inside.

The kids had fun in the pool, Zane expecially enjoyed helping Anna to be a water fountain.

We have plenty to praise God for; fun with friends.