A Good Morning "Quack"

As many of you know, Camden has a constant companion: Eugene, the duck. His collection has grown to 4 (he favors 2 of them over the others) and this is what came strolling into our room a little after 6 this morning:

Who needs to try to carry all of the Eugenes when you can use a cart?! ;)

The World's Best Helpers

Our yard is in need of a little love and attention, so Emma, Camden, and I spent the day "working" in the front yard. Here are my helpers raring to go!After I mowed the yard, I appreciated the help raking up a few spots.

We have to get fully outfitted with our gardening gloves any time there is work to do in the yard.

I had help pulling about 2 weeds in the flowerbed before my helpers needed a break. I think Camden is the cutest thing ever wearing his bike helmet!
After lunch and a rest, it was time to bring out the sprinklers.

After a hard day's work, it was sure nice to relax!

Training Run

Goal #1 for the first official day of summer vacation was to go running. I am running a 5K in Cedar Rapids on the 4th of July and I need to be in training mode. The kids and I headed out to the Clear Creek Trail yesterday morning for a nice run.

After my run, it was Emma and Camden's turn!Coach #2
Coach #1 helping out

Picking some flowers for Daddy along the trail

Seussical at the Forest Theater

We spent a wonderful afternoon enjoying Seussical the Musical. After my first time at the Forest Theater last spring to see Beauty and the Beast, I was well prepared with our blankets, seat cushions, and snacks galore for the kids.

Here are the 4 year-olds(Emma has a green jacket on) blazing the trail down to the theater. Alison is riding in style with her dad. ;) Emma, Claire, and Dylan (Claire's cousin) take a photo break along the trail.
Enjoying the show!

A gorgeous setting for a great production!

Catching Up With Harry

One bonus for living near Naval Base Kitsap is that it is the hub for people (especially those stationed in the Pacific) out processing from the Navy. Yesterday we got to catch up with our friend Harry on his way from Yokosuka to Peoria, Illinois. Harry is an University of Iowa alum and shares Chris's love for Iowa football. We wish we could have seen the Watts ladies, but have plans for meeting the whole family one of these years at Kinnick for a game.

And here are a couple pictures of my 2 favorite kids!

A Saturday afternoon AT HOME

Don't get me wrong, I love to be out and about doing things, but I can't remember the last Saturday afternoon we spent at home and today was glorious! Summer vacation has officially started with school winding up for me last week, so I hope to be a twice a week blogger this summer!

Emma told me this afternoon that she wants to be an artist when she grows up. :) Following in her Godfather's footsteps!

Our little bikers! One good thing that has come from Camden's latest obsession with Dora is that he will wear his helmet. He said, "Dora be safe! Dora be safe!"
Sprinkler time!

Hello June!

The school year is coming to a close so I say, "Bring on summer!"

I find my mind wandering outside during the school day, so I can only imagine how hard it is for my students right now.

We filled up the Kasparek Family Pool yesterday and when we came home this afternoon, Emma wanted to swim (of course Camden followed right along!) Chris walked in the door soon after we did and I offered him lifeguard or chef duty.

I think he chose the role of relaxing lifeguard :)
Here are the goof-balls enjoying some melon after their swim.