I was so excited for the arrival of summer and all of the time I was going to have with Aubri to do fun things together on a daily basis. I wanted to be active and busy and on the go doing different things from day to day, week to week. And I wanted to be able to do a lot with a little money!
So, I perused the newspapers, Internet, and community booklets looking for fun ideas of things to do with your children for FREE or a reasonable price. I came up with a list.
These are in no particular order:
* Swimming (check)
* Parks (check)
* Gym (check)
* $1.00 Weekly Kid Movies @ Jordan Creek (check)
* Art Center
* Botanical Center
* Science Center (check)
* Zoo (check)
* FREE Splash Pad/Wading Pool @ Ashby Park (check)
* Carousel at Union Park (check)
* Movie in the Park (check)
We didn't make it to everything, but we did one thing in particular over and over, anytime we could, anywhere we could! And, that was go swimming. We were at a swimming establishment pretty regularly throughout the summer! We had quite a few options and took advantage of them all: Gym, Cascade Falls Aquatic Center in Ankeny, Emelia's parents condo pool, and parks!
Cousin Dee Dee and her daughter, Ava were visiting from North Dakota (Colorado) and we were so blessed to have them spend a day and night at our house. Usually there isn't enough time for us to squeeze an overnight in so this year was fabulous. We had an amazing time together and shared many laughs.
So, I perused the newspapers, Internet, and community booklets looking for fun ideas of things to do with your children for FREE or a reasonable price. I came up with a list.
These are in no particular order:
* Swimming (check)
* Parks (check)
* Gym (check)
* $1.00 Weekly Kid Movies @ Jordan Creek (check)
* Art Center
* Botanical Center
* Science Center (check)
* Zoo (check)
* FREE Splash Pad/Wading Pool @ Ashby Park (check)
* Carousel at Union Park (check)
* Movie in the Park (check)
We didn't make it to everything, but we did one thing in particular over and over, anytime we could, anywhere we could! And, that was go swimming. We were at a swimming establishment pretty regularly throughout the summer! We had quite a few options and took advantage of them all: Gym, Cascade Falls Aquatic Center in Ankeny, Emelia's parents condo pool, and parks!
Aubri was determined to go off of the diving boards. In order to do so, she had to pass a swim test first. The swim test consisted of swimming the length of an olympic size pool without stopping or touching or grabbing on to anything. SHE.DID.IT!!!! I was so proud of her. The stamp on her hand proves her success and gives her access to the diving boards.
This was a moment I was truly nervous for her and had butterflies in my tummy as I was standing on the edge watching as she was about to jump in!
We loved Cascade Falls...will definitely return next year. I think we made it her 3x this summer!
Oh, we also swam at Grandma Joanie's! Aubri made this cross for Jesus.
We loved swimming and laying out with Emelia too at her parents pool. We would often spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon here.
The heat didn't bother us a bit! As long as we were by the water.
The girls ready for swimming at grandma's house!
This is Maliya! She was with us for almost six months. She was a sweetie pie...so cute. I always described her as a tiny little thing with a big fro and a loud voice!! She brought lots of smiles to our faces, but it was also nice to see her reunite with her mom.
Ellie couldn't decide if this rabbit was real or not!
In celebration of Cinco De Mayo.
We thru a very small gathering at our house for the evening!
I was able to get out and enjoy a pedicure with a dear friend!
We enjoyed many out-to-eat nights!
We enjoyed lunch dates together!
These were the butterflies that emerged from the larvae we received in the mail. It was so fun to watch them eat and grow, cocoon themselves then emerge into beautiful butterflies!
RELEASE Day!
Aubri & Trevor got to hold them and love them before watching them take flight!
They were in awe!
She even got a beso (kiss) in before it took off!
They named all of them...Grandpa Sam, Emily, Ellie, Jamesie and I can't remember the other one!
The little smudge in the picture is one of the butterflies.
We watched one land and were able to get close enough to look!
One last good-bye.
4th of July Festivities
Aubri watching the parade.
Aubri ready to ride the bull.
Check out her "tough" looks!
She managed to stay on for quite awhile...much longer than me!
She loved all of the blow-ups that were in the park.
Maliya spent the day with her mommy then joined us for the evening in the park.
Our "spot" for the fireworks.
They were sooo sweet!
Looks like she's in a tent, but really she's peeking out of the stroller!
Family Time
My mom and sister were here in July for the annual Hruska family reunion so I got to spend some wonderful time with my sissy too. This was the night we went to the Movie in the Park! UP was playing.
We grabbed snacks at the store prior to heading to the park! Pop Rocks is a must.
Daddy joined us too...it was great!
UP is a great movie!
We all met at King's Pointe in Storm Lake to celebrate my brother, Jayme's Birthday!!
Aubri's in love with the water so this kind of celebration was right up her alley!
My sis & bro!
The little cousins with Grammy!
Outside for some diving board action.
And a small slide...inside we all went on all of the slides and had a blast!
Grammy & Aubri floating around on a tube!
Happy 31st Birthday!
It was a great day.
We did some finger painting!
Paint High 5.
Our creation.
We popped some popcorn!
Got 1st Pedicures together!
This was Aubri's and Grammy's very first time having a pedicure.
She was very interested in every step that was being done and asked numerous questions!
Aw...this is nice!
Aubri was extremely relaxed!
Turned out beautiful!
Outside the mall hangin with the presidents!
Hruska Family Reunion
Sam & Aubri making brownies!
Sam & Trevor making a 2nd batch of brownies!
Enjoying some time in the sand box and on the swing set the next morning.
We went to visit Nannie Saturday morning prior to the start of the family reunion. We took donuts and milk for everyone to enjoy as they came in stages. This was to celebrate her birthday with her.
This was her last "good" day that I saw her and she knew who I was before she quickly declined.
I will treasure these pictures of my Nannie.
Just precious.
More swimming indeed!
Just hanging out watching the kiddos swim.
I made (yes, call me bossy) EVERYONE gather so we could get a family picture. Why have we never done this? IDK...but we got one this year!
It was a great family gathering.
