We’ve been living it up here in Northeast Iowa over the past few weeks! We knocked a few Summer bucket list items off of our list! First up: The COUNTY FAIR!
We LOVE our county fair in West Union. They have made some major improvements over the last few years. They were able to book some HUGE country acts – Sara Evans and Gary Allen this Saturday! All of the carnival rides are always free. A bottle of water is only allowed to be sold for $1 across the fair grounds, parking is free. It’s a really wonderful fair and I took the boys this week! The boys LOVED the petting zoo! Look how happy Gannon is with the goat! Those cheese curds were only $3! Like I said, it’s so affordable so I always make sure to support the fair when I can!
Carver was SO EXCITED to participate in the tractor pull! Out of 20 some 4 year olds, he got 3rd place and qualified for state! He was so proud of himself. I am too! He was so proud of his ribbon.
We had a…strange experience at the tractor pull. Parents were literally jogging next to the tractor a few feet ahead of the kids just to get a video of the kids – just let the kid pedal! I could hardly get a picture of Carver with the winners holding their ribbons because there was a CROWD of parents trying to get pictures. I finally said, “Uhm..can we take turns?” I’m all for getting a picture but it seemed like these people were watching the whole event through a camera lens. Don’t get me wrong, I got a few pics and I can be guilty of being on my phone/camera too much but seeing it in other people was enlightening. (side note – reading this back sounds kind of judge-y and I don’t mean it to come off that way. I 100% need this reminder too).
Carver also biked our favorite bike trail – a whole 4.5 miles! I snapped this picture at the finish line. He was SO PROUD Of himself! He loves his “power booster” bike and totally rocked the hills! This was the same bike trail he fell in the river last year. We stay far away from that part of the trail now – you can read more of that here: A Wonderful Day and a Terrible Incident
Next week Carver has swimming lessons and camp Monday – Friday next week, and Craig has 2 days off next week and we are planning some fun family activities. In August we are planning on a trip the lake! I’m so excited! Even though it is just an hour from our house we’ve NEVER been other than a quick pit stop. We are doing our best to make the most of our summer even though it’s already the end of July.
Thanks for reading friends! What is left on your summer bucket list?
- Friedman Family Update – March 2023
- ONE MORE MONTH!
- PROUD MINI VAN OWNER!
- Gannon Update – Genetics 🧬
- Friedman Fam Update – January 2023
Oh fun! What is a “power booster” bike??
One thing we liked to do when our children were small is rent a cabin at a state or national park for a few days. They were not too expensive for us (this was ten years ago) and so much to do! The cabins were always charming if a bit rustic.
I find the phones interfere so much these days. What do people eventually do with all these videos and photos??? In the meantime, you miss the genuine moment of simply enjoying the performance and the child misses the proud, encouraging smile from a parent when they glance at you in the midst of the performance/activity. All they see is you looking at your phone. We do want commemorative photos for events but that should only take a few discreet seconds. I can’t imagine how crazy it must be at events now (like the tractor pull).
Sounds like you are finding fun things to do! Even a picnic meal in a nearby park would be fun if it’s not too hot!
My summer bucket list? Recovery. I had a knee replacement 12 days ago! It’s going great and I look forward to returning to an active life.
I shall live vicariously through your family fun ?
Looks like the fair was a blast!!! Woohooo Carver and Gannon with the goat…such joy! I must say, I absolutely love the size of your font – I can read it so easily and really appreciate it!
Congrats to Carver on winning that ribbon.
Gannon has just the sweetest smile.
God always knows best ! You and Craig are perfect two parents for your sons.
What a wonderful childhood they are living. Your parenting examples are EXACTLY what they
will do with their children.
thank you for letting us share this with the 4 of you.
Pull all the sunflowers from the sidewalk area, level the dirt, replace the limestone patio and sidewalk that had to be removed for foundation leveling, Finish repainting the hallway and high hallway wall due to foundation leveling.. Maybe get some hikes in at Brazos Bend State Park and count alligators.