JULY

     The reason I'm SO far behind on posting is not the fact that I'm really slow which is true, and not the fact that I wasn't near my computer in July or August which is also true, but mainly due to the fact that my computer was hating me for a while. I had been getting a notice (for a long time) that my disk space was almost full. Yikes! I totally ignored it and kept on stuffing him full. We were fighting and he's way smarter than I'll ever be, he know some dirty tricks and he also knows how to run my life better than I do. Hence, he took ALL my photos hostage. Tragedy really. Luckily Jake was home on a 7 week break and came to my rescue. He slapped me twice in the face for being so stupid (not really, but he wanted to) and then being the genius organizer that he is voi-la, they're back!! I really don't know what I'd do without brothers who know a TON about computers and other very technical things. They are life savers.

   Dear Computer,
      That was a really really mean trick you played on me. My ENTIRE LIFE is counting on you. I know I stuffed you full until you couldn't handle it anymore. Spontaneously combusting was your  next option and I'm thankful you didn't take us down that road. You know I love you dearly. I'm getting much better at keeping you thinned out and beautiful thanks to Jake. He really gave you the face lift you needed, and thanks to him you now have 3 terabytes to spread out on. I really don't think we'll have an overload problem again. What's that you say? You think it's absolutely ridiculous that I take approximately 42 pictures a day per year? Oh geez sorry, I thought 15,000 pictures a year wasn't too bad. Well, I'm sorry for being so stupid, but that is strike one, two more and you're out!  I love you and I really really don't know what I'd do without you. Lets work together at keeping my life a little less complicated.
Love,
Your one and only.

So, without further delay, July.
     It seems like July happened so so long ago. July is always a good month- jam packed with fun, family, the lake, BBQ's and perfect summer days! I'm trying not to forget before it's too late.
    We made it home in time for some 4th of July celebrating with the fam. Enjoyed a few lake days but sadly no fireworks with the drought. It's just way too dry out here in farm country. Mike headed out to Kansas City for his first externship. I spent the next weekend catching up with old friends from High School, some of which I hadn't seen in nearly 8 years! We had a little reunion planned for a while so I didn't leave for Kansas City until the next week.

 their drinks are rather embarrassing sorry! 

   

     We were lucky enough to have a fantastic newlywed bother and sister-in-law living in K.C. installing security systems. They were so so sweet to put up with us especially because they haven't really dealt with children yet and I'm sure we all remember that stage in our lives...other people's kids are kind of annoying (: Jason didn't go to work until about 3 everyday so we got to swim and explore KC with Jason by day and swim some more and explore KC by night with Mike. It really was a blast and I Love Love Kansas City. Of course I had to take Mike to our old house and the pool where Jake and I most likely started our future of skin cancer. Not even exaggerating, we swam ALL day EVERY day except Sunday! That summer my hair turned green and my freckles exploded! Wouldn't trade that time for anything though. Jake & I were partners in crime! We visited the petting zoo several times, coolest petting zoo ever! Lots of museums, parks, downtown KC, the Crown center, the fountains, Kaleidoscope center and anything else that was free. I was shocked at the amount of amazing free things and you don't even have to pay for parking! What?! Take that Miami!

     A few days in there somewhere I ran up to Iowa and visited Preston. Oh yeah, Brooke & Skyler too. They just moved and Skyler is now in his first semester of Dental School. Hip Hip Hooray! Skyler was born to be a Dentist! We'll be trading services, Brooke is in need of a Podiatrist and I'm in need of a Dentist. Worked out quite nicely I think! We had tons of fun as always! My favorite part was the table I talked her into buying. We spent a whopping 7 bucks at Goodwill, added a little color and she has herself a beauty of a table!

Beauty, Eh?

Making cookies with aunt Brookie

 

Quality Cousin Time

     The end of July my family came to KC for a little reunion. Everyone was there, except our faithful Elder Steel! We spent an awesome day at Oceans of Fun, then onto a Royals game. No doubt we did family pictures then visited the Independence visitor center.

Underwater camera: on my list for one of the coolest inventions EVER

  

              July came to an end an we departed ways once again, this time with a twist....