Paul and Katie Van Heukelom: Summer long gone...but not forgotten!

This post has been in the works for a LONG time now. So here are a ton of pictures in random order of most of our summer adventures.

Sweet corn!

A trip to the Maquoketa Caves... kids had a BLAST and would love to go there again!

Ruby and her cousin Sydney and friend Clara did a week long Frozen Camp at Nolte Dance Academy.

We planted the annual garden at Papa and Grandma's house in Williamsburg. It's really a wonder how well the garden produces with the kids mainly in charge of the planting. They planted carrots, cucumbers, and green beans.

Ruby participated in the summer session of soccer and was on the White Lightening team.

Trampoline Park near Hiawatha. I thought an hour went fast and maybe the kids would want to jump more....

...but apparently an hour of jumping was enough to wear them out pretty good!

Ruby participated in T-ball for the first time. She was one of the youngest players as the age range was 4-6. She was thrilled that her cousin Sydney and friend Colin could be on her team. She loved batting and running the bases. Playing defense wasn't her favorite, but she got some action toward the end of the season and wasn't so intimidated so I think overall, she enjoyed her first season!

One of her biggest fans ;)

Colin, Sydney, Ruby

The Gold Bees

For Mother's Day, Paul surprised me with an overnight trip to Galena, IL with my friend Nicole. We had a great time shopping and seeing the sights in Galena.

We decided that Ruby and Sydney could start having sleepovers, and man-oh-man were they excited! Here is Ruby snuggled up in Sydney's bed for their first sleepover!

A week later, we had Sydney over to our house! Jace was excited to have an extra roommate for the night as well!

Making homemade pizzas!

Ruby was able to participate in our church's annual Vacation Bible School. Jace isn't old enough to participate yet, but he loved attending the Bible School picnic that followed the week long events.

Ruby and Jace with Ava and Monica ;)

Harvesting their produce from the garden!

Ruby and Sydney also particpated in a two day Pom Clinic put on by the West High Pom Squad.

They performed for friends and family on a Friday night.

Pokey came from Michigan!

And Papa John and Grandma Dorothy came from Pella!

Swimming! Ruby, my fish, with Annie in their matching swimsuits. Annie wasn't a huge fan of the water that wasn't all too warm!

Much happier on the towel!

Our neighbors put up a swing set which they have graciously allowed us to play on whenever we want. They are too nice and we are blessed to have them as neighbors!

Ruby got to go to Pella with Papa Gary, Grandma Ruth, and Sydney for a one-night camping adventure. They slept in a camper and had way too much fun! ;)

with Paul's cousin Chloe...they love her! ;)

Paul's cousin Jesse's wife and three kids were traveling to Michigan and stopped for a night in Williamsburg so we were able to spend some time with them. The kids had a great time playing with each other!

We spent a day in Pella for Paul's grandpa's birthday.

We participated in both the Iowa City and Coralville Summer Reading programs.

Rides at Lower City Park

First trip to the movie theater for Jace...and Annie! We saw the Curious George movie.

Ruby got an invitation from our wonderful neighbor Denise to come over and "make something." She came home with this amazing "Sand Cake!" Denise has three boys and loves a little girl time once in awhile! Thanks Denise!

We spent more time in Williamsburg, enjoying the sun and water fun!

Jace had his first dentist appointment. He did a fantastic job and had no cavities!

Unfortunately, this candy-lover had to make a return trip to get one cavity filled. She was a complete trooper and was told she was better than some of their adult patients. She was quite proud of that, and has been doing a much better job of brushing and flossing since her last visit.