Out and about... Fun stuff, even in Rexburg

So far summer has been a lot of fun!! The weather has taken a while to cooperate but we've still taken advantage of ever day possible. When Amie was here helped with that a lot too. We've gotten out to celebrate the warm weather at the Splash Park, as well as Egin "lakes" - a welcome addition to the few things there are to do in Rexburg. Riann loves the sand out there!!! We've also been lucky to "house" a few horses and celebrate a few holidays. It's been a great summer and we've got to do a lot of things we've failed to particiapte in since we've lived out here because of our work schedules. It's a whole new experience this summer with Riann being the age she is. She wants to do more and be more involved. It makes things a lot more fun because now she's pushing us to do more instead of us thinking we're planning a fun adventure for her and her being too little or tired to enjoy it. I'm looking forward to many more summers like this because it's a joy watching Riann go.

Here are some highlights of our adventures...

Riann with her new sand toys out at Egin Lakes. When we decided to play out there more often we decided she needed some fun stuff to play with. She loves carrying them around.

Us enjoying a day in the sun. I love this kid!!!

We went out to play with some friends on evening and Riann got the raw end of the deal playing with two boys. She took it like a champ though.

We finally made it to the 4th of July parade this year!!! Riann was happy to "dress up" for the occasion, even if she looked a little silly. Now that I look back on it I probably shouldn't have been so cheap and actually gotten her a new shirt for the holiday... :-/

Enjoying a chocolate milk that was handed out during the parade. She can finally have chocolate now so she's been enjoying the new found treasure.

Riann's cousin Daniel came up to play and celebrate the 4th with us. We went up to Drigg's, ID to celebrate with a speech from Glenn Beck and fireworks.

Riann and I waiting for the shows to start on the 4th.

Riann checking out the horses we had for about a week. She loved going out there just to say "Hi".

Out playing with the horses. We actually miss having them around.

The city aprticipates in the summer lunch program for the kids in the area. Each day they have a lunch they provide for anyone who is at the local parks. We like to go out to play at the Splash park here in town and we often start with lunch. This was Rainn's face after she enjoyed a corn dog.

Playing in the water... It's a great way to clean off the kiddo's after they eat lunch.

When Riann is good at the Splash park she gets to ride on the carousel. It's just a dollar for a minute or so. It's a pretty good deal/reward for her. She loves paying by herself and picking out her horse.

We got to go to the Demolition Derby again this year. We went about 2 years ago and it was a lot of fun. Riann really enjoyed it even though most of it was REALLY loud. She kept saying "cars crash!!!" It's one of those "hick" things you tend to pick up after living out here but they are SO much fun. We got a really good spot and so this year was even better than the last!! I think Riann is giving the thumbs up for her approval!!

One of Riann's new favorite things is helping daddy mow the lawn. Now that we've got out mower running and she's old enough to ride she enjoys going out with him every once and a while. She even gets to drive each time and she does a great job. You can always tell which corner of the yard daddy let her do. Our only delema... She's ALWAYS asking to drive now... No matter where we go!!