Hiking in humidity

We went on our first family hike in Iowa. We should have done it earlier. It was hot and muggy. However, it wasn't a long hike. Just about 1 mile. It was perfect for Madison and for the most part, she walked.

The little hike is just right outside the city, right off a highway. However, in Iowa the vegetation is so thick! Except for the random car noise, you would think we were in the middle of nowhere. Even though the scenery has it's own kind of beauty (green green green), we do miss the 'destination' hikes out west where even the smallest of hikes would almost always take us to a little waterfall or bright blue stream. However, this doesn't stop us. I am in to having tough kids, at the moment, character hikes are the best remedy for whininess and boredom. Don't worry, this wasn't your typical "Manner" character hike. We had enough water for the whole trail.

Enjoy the pictures!

I am still figuring out my new camera. (It may be a very long and ongoing process), the humidity here makes my lens blurry at the beginning. I am still figuring out how to keep it clean and dry amidst this Iowa summer weather.

I cannot believe that this little one is going to be a big sister in just about 2 months. I am a little nervous for the transition. I like my schedules, routines, and systems. Since Madi was born we had a schedule, and she and I have thrived. Adding a new person to the schedule may be kind of hard (for both of us, probably mostly me though, especially when that person nurses a lot and for a long time for the first 3-4 months). I am so excited for a new baby girl though!!!!

4th of July in Iowa

After a week long trip to Oklahoma, we arrived back in time to celebrate 4th of July in good ole Iowa. Jordan and I have always loved 4th of July, but for slightly different reasons. He mainly, just likes doing fireworks. I guess its a boy thing. He said his friends and him would bury them, put them in buckets, and do all kinds of dangerous experiments to see what would catch on fire and what would make the loudest noise. I personal love the parades and the barbecues.

We went to the Parade! Madison had the time of her life. She loved the sirens, the dancers, the cars (vroom vroom), and of course the music. This little one loves to dance and will dance on almost any cue. She didn't realize how awesome the candy was until I actually opened one for her, but people were handing her candy and prizes right and left. 

Anybody that knows Madi, knows this is her excited face.

Squealing with delight

Afterwards we returned home and let Madison take a nap. Jordan and I watched Captain America and prepared for our little family barbecue. Sadly we were reminded how lonely we are out in Iowa at times without our families as we had a little barbecue with just us three. My sister's Snapchat story didn't help either as she shared the crazy/weird shenanigans my family was up to. However, we really enjoyed ourselves. Madi had a blast, and I was reminded again why I want a lot of kids. Your never really lonely when you have lots of kids.

Later that night we did our little mini fireworks (which we found out are against the law in Iowa) and then went to the city firework show. Madi even loved it and crashed as soon as we got home.

Happy Birthday America!