July 4th in Iowa

This year we decided to spend the holiday in Iowa with Cory's parents. We had an action-packed day on the 4th, as we also celebrated the kid's cousin's birthday.

We started out the day with some fun water play at Cory's brother's house.  Running through the sprinklers and slip-and-slide.
 

 

 Next, the kids played volleyball.

 We enjoyed a nice lunch, and then it was time to open presents!

 

The girls were excited because they got their presents early from their Iowa Aunt and Uncle.
 

After presents, we headed down to the local pool for a little while.
 

Then it was back to the house for cake, ice cream, another volleyball match (with grown-ups this time) and sparklers.
 

 

After the kids finished with the sparklers, we walked up the street to a neighborhood fireworks show.  We laid out some towels in an open lot, and had a front row seat for an awesome show.  It was just as good as any of the surrounding city's fireworks shows, and it was a lot less crowded!  It was a long, fun day, and everyone slept well that night!

 

2013 Parade

This year Grandma and Grandpa took the girls to the local parade. It was one of the items on our summer fun list, and Grant also participates every year with his martial arts school.  It's been so long that I can't remember what Cory and I were doing that day.  It was hot, but they had a good time.  The girls came home with WAY too much candy!

 

Racing Day

Awhile ago, Grant, Dad and Grandpa went to watch one of Dad's patients race his dirt bike.  They were able to go behind the scenes because they had special passes.  They really enjoyed that, and the races!

 

Moving Up

Back on June 20, Grant tested up another belt level in Hapkido.  He's just about ready to test again.  Yay, Grant!