Fun at the fair

And another summer concludes with the the Iowa State Fair. We chose to go with our friends S and A this year. This was Jack's first visit, and he was just wonderful. The weather was nice and we found some free parking. Baby boy took everything in and seemed to enjoy it all. Here are some photos from the day.

Remembering what's important...

Today I spent with family. Drove to my parents' house in the morning, where my aunt Senada, my cousins Neira and Budo, and of course, my sisters and my parents were waiting. They went on a big shopping spree yesterday and brought some goodies for me, too. My mom picked for me some beautiful clothes at the Gap. Love them! My sweet sisters bought me a long coveted Longchamp bag. Thank you mama, tata & sisters! I'm very grateful, but you really shouldn't have. Having you as my family is gift enough.

Then cousins, sisters and I headed to Grey's lake for a nice long walk, had some iced tea outside Starbucks while listening to a street performer, and then caught a show at the Science Center (IMAX). Afterwards we had a great lunch at my parents' house, and even got to Skype with some family members in the "old" country. :)

Ami, Budo, Neira & Adji

Daredevils

My beautiful sisters and cousin

At home, my dear hubby and I continued to clean and organize. We are donating a lot of good stuff to the Disabled American Veterans. It's amazing how much stuff people acquire over a few years. We definitely want to downsize and simplify our lives. Plus, we are making some room in our home. Most of you know why, but others are free to guess. :)

Late summer

Today was nice. I've gotten rid of an old dresser via Craigslist, and hubby and I got some house work done. A few highlights from today:

Yay for late summer!

4th of July weekend

It was a beautiful weekend. First we got to attend the 80/35 music festival where I got to hear and catch a glimpse of my beloved Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. We also made a couple of new friends.

My girls

Alexander

On the 4th, we had everyone come over for a backyard picnic, some Scattegories, food, drink & fireworks on the roof.

Ahhh... summers. :)

Late summer walks; Bella & Paisley visit

Wallace and I have been walking on the long, winding bike trail near our house every day now. Saturday was especially nice.

What's behind that corner?

Yes - that's my big shape

Blue skies, green trees, light breeze - I love this season!

And then there were these bright flowers...

...many of them, cheering us on

In the afternoon, I had company. My friend Ariel (who is expecting her third daughter Milla any day now), brought over Bella and Paisley to play.

Pretty visitors

Bella - the first-born, putting stickers all over her shirt

She is a huge Sponge Bob fan

Hungry baby Paisley

Such a happy babe

Greetings from the North Country!

We are hiding in a cabin in North Minnesota. The weather is nice, the internet is spotty, and the scenery is beautiful.

Getting a spanking from Paul Bunyon

 

 

My hubby and some local dogs.

Oh, the fun we are having!

Three awesome things on a Thursday

1) My kind, thoughtful coworkers have brought treats in to the office to celebrate my graduation and my coworker's birthday.

I got to have a big bad muffin all to myself.

My crafty über-boss (my leader's leader) made the card herself. I was impressed!

2) My sisters, who are interns at the company - both got nominated for the VIP Scholarship. One of them is a semi-finalist who gets to give a presentation.

3) I got to spend some time with my two best friends at a free concert on the Jasper Winery grounds. It was a nice girls' night out. In fact, we might make it a Thursday habit.

DSM Arts Festival 2010

I adore the Des Moines Arts Festival. I have volunteered for the event every year. This year I have too much on my plate to do so, but I still got to go upon my sister's request.

 Here are some of the shots from this year's scenery.

The Thinker has an idea.

 Amazing Indian delights. Mmmmm...

We ran into one of my coworkers and her husband. Good folk.

 My other sister and her boyfriend joined us, too.

The sculpture park around which the festival took place, with the night DSM skyline.

I was quite seduced by the Thinker.

I mean - look at the inside of this thing.

We were also seduced by the jazz vocalist and the accompanying wine.

The Des Moines Public Library looks neat in the night.

And here is my partner-in-crime, my sister Ami. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have had one of the best nights this summer.