Summer Fun

I have already confessed to being lazy about taking photos, but thanks to Kate, I have a few to send along to summarize some of the fun things that we've done this summer. Enjoy.

Jasper Winery--I kept hearing about this winery in DSM that had live music and outdoor events every Thursday night throughout the summer, so we finally decided to check it out. It was a beautiful night to sit outside, have a burger, and take in some dueling guitars. Those who weren't pregnant enjoyed the Sangria. Ross even tried Sangria and Redbull...yuck.

SWINE Fest--"Where Pork Meets Cork" (or something like that...) The event was held on DMACC's Ankeny campus and included over 10 Iowan wine vendors and another 10-12 Iowa pork vendors. For your ticket price you got a wine glass to take around with you to sample unlimited wines that paired with tasty pork. You could also pick your favorite wine and take a bottle home with you. I have to admit that by the 15th sample or so, I was porked out, so it's a good thing that there was a chocolate booth to give me a break. At the end of the night Kay Thuesen talked a vendor into letting the guys drink some of the Maker's Mark that was part of a cooking display. She had no idea how much to pour and the guys didn't stop her... Needless to say I was the DD. I look forward to next year when I will be able to take part in the wine tasting as well.

4th of July Camping--and I use that term loosely. The tradition started last year after Kelsey and Jay's wedding in the Quad Cities. We stopped at my mom's place in CR and camped over the 4th on our way back to DSM. This year we continued the tradition. Even though the weather was cooler and rainier than we would have liked, we still enjoyed a lot of good food, Bocce Ball, smores over a blazing fire (thanks to our Pyro husbands), swimming, and massages by my sister, who is practicing to be a licensed massage therapist. I think the only "camping" part of the weekend was perhaps the fact that we slept in a tent... on air mattresses. :) Most campsites also do not provide a warm breakfast with chefs that take requests what type of pancakes and eggs you prefer. Lauren is enjoying a Smore in the picture below.

Yes, that is Brad stuffing his shoes with newspaper. According to Matt R., doing so helps to dry them out... and he was right. Within ten minutes our shoes were totally dry. Who would have thought? I also like the picture below because it looks like my sister is totally wasted, but I'm pretty sure it was only her first or second beer. We were all just that relaxed.

In addition, Ross and I took a couple of sailing classes at Gray's Lake, using Hobie Bravos and we had a blast. We look forward to sailing throughout the summer, so I will have to take my camera next time we go.