Cuties

Peek-a-boo!

Is it just me, or is this kid up to no good? "Shh don't tell Mommy I'm sneaking to the driveway."

"I'm cute and I know it. I use this knowledge to my advantage often."

Jack having fun in his favorite chair. Or, perhaps Daddy was tickling him so he'd smile for the camera.

Future deep thinker.

New Life Jackets

One Okoboji rule is all kiddos must wear a life jacket on the dock and boat. Jack's fully embraced this, but Griffin was not fond of his jacket, so we boated over for a new "cool" one that didn't tarnish his reputation. He didn't like it at first, but when he realized not wearing it meant staying off the boat, he quickly changed his tune. It always helps if big brother Jack does something first, since Griff copies everything he does.

Jack took the wheel for a minute. (Perhaps we were parked and not actually moving.)

Griffin loved his first boat ride of 2010. He liked to watch from the back.

Griffin (left) and Cole (right) show that lifejacket thongs really can be cool.

Vacation in Okoboji

We took a week-long vacation in Okoboji at the beginning of August and had a great time doing all the "funs" Jack wanted. We hit Arnolds Park for golf (Bryan blamed his loss on his handicap-- Griffin), go-cart rides (Papa caused a four-car pile up) and rides (Jack loved the roller coaster and went on the log ride twice). We had plenty of time swimming with friends and Jack even learned to jump off the diving board. We've been home for several weeks, but each morning Jack wakes up and says, "I'm ready to go back to Sally's. Should I pack my green bag?"

Bug Safari

Okoboji has been invaded by giant bugs this summer! Seven bugs made of reclaimed wood are on display throughout the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory campus. Jack was our tour guide as we used our map skills (thanks, Dora the Explorer. "I'm the map, I'm the map, I'm the map...) to find all seven bugs. The best part is now when we give directions to the lake house instead of saying, "Turn right at the road in the middle of the fourth cornfield, in the middle of nowhere," we can say "turn right at the giant ants!"

Tubing

After surviving the fireworks, Jack was ready to tackle the world. With promises that Papa wouldn't drive fast, we enjoyed a 2-minute tube ride.

4th Of July

We celebrated the 4th of July in Okoboji and got to see fireworks up close on the lake. Jack's favorite ones were "the quiet ones." Bryan convinced him to come out from under the blanket where he was hiding to watch the fireworks, but had to promise to keep his ears covered.

More Okoboji

We had a fun playdate at the beach in Okoboji with Sophia, Isabella and Emma Fassbender. Jack wasn't overwhelmed by the estrogen level, and even though Emma is just a few days younger than he is, he only had eyes for Isabella. He still talks about Isabella and finding "the very hungry caterpillar."

Arg! Jack Hits the Water Park

On a rainy day in Okoboji, we hit the new indoor water park -- or "pirate park" -- with Sally and Uncle Tom. Jack grew more brave after the first couple of sliedes and had a great time in the water.