weekend fun...

So my father-in-law Andre took me shooting this weekend. Diane bought him a Smith and Wesson 1911, 45...Whatever that means. I just know it's a very nice gun, and that it was very very powerful!
I have to admit it was kind of scary. I kept closing my eyes and turning my head whenever I squeezed the trigger in anticipation of the kick and the loudness. At first I could not hit the target at all! Andre was standing behind me trying to see where my shots were going, but he kept saying things like " Hmm. I don't see it. I'm not sure where that one went". and my personal favorite, " I saw dust kick up. Guess you didn't hit the target that time" He was very affirming even though I only hit the target with about 3 of 20 shots in the beginning! I kept picturing Jamie lee Curtis in True Lies, where she is standing at the top of the stairs shooting a gun with eye's closed, arms flailing body moving uncontrollably...Yup I pictured that scene every time I picked up the gun...Then when I continued not hitting the target I started to get the giggles and I was pretty much incapacitated.... Andre helpe me recover by suggesting that I crouch down and steady my arms on the table we were shooting from. That helped me a lot. Well not "a lot" but I definitely was able to hit the target every once in a while :)

My target is on the left and Andres is on the right...It was super fun!!!!! Thanks for taking me Andre!

our target


Andre shooting...


Me shooting

Guess which target is mine???? :)

summer sweetness...

missing Jas? Yes....Lonely? NO!

So we are HOME... and it feels great! We flew in to Minneapolis last week, and stayed at my parents for one night before making our way back to Des Moines. We always spend mornings at my parents out on the deck reading, eating, drinking coffee, bird watching and soaking up the sun. Here is my mom with Ava, walking the deck......

I DREAD the drive to and from MN. because Ava is no longer my teeny tiny sleeping babe....She's my crazy, do everything, try to get everything, constantly moving, wild girl! And I love that about her, but it's really exhausting, and really not fun on long car rides when it's just her and I...Anyway, I had a lovely surprise that my sister would be coming along and staying with me for the week. Hooray! I adore my sister. She is the most beautiful, most passionate, most wonderful sister in the entire world and we had a delightful week together. Miss you Han'

later in the week, Hannah's dearest friends, Meghan, Sarah, and Matt...drove down with my momma and spend the weekend with us. They really are like family to me, and I was so happy to have them in my home. I spend the first 9 years of my life praying everyday for a little sister, and I got one! but who knew I would get three!!!:)

We had a great time eating out, listening to live music at Java Joe's, watching "The Office" and playing music together...they truly are some of my most favorite people in the world.

Matt & Hannah...doing what they do

Meghs and I at Java Joe's

Grammy love...

Ava & I at Jordan Creek....Me showing off my new shoes! Aren't they rad?!! Thank you mom!!!

Happy happy after cheesecake factory

My heart is so full, I am so blessed