The Hog Show!!!

The boys were so excited to finally get to show their hogs. They practiced with their pigs at Grandpa and Nana's house beforehand. The day of the show they got up early and got all dressed up in their 4-H gear. The belts they are wearing are the same ones my brothers wore back in the day.

Open class didn't show until after all of the 4-H exhibitors. Here is Logan patiently waiting for his turn to show.

Logan leading his pig, "Rico." He got that name from the cartoon movie "Home on the Range."

Mason showing his pig, "Captain Jack Sparrow."

The boys practiced their pig Q & A with Grandpa before the show. It was a good thing because the judge decided to interview Mason on the microphone! Both of the boys received blue ribbons. Here are the pics of them showing off their prized ribbons and pig trophies. They are so proud!

The boys had such a great time. We want to thank Grandpa for all of his hard work and for letting the boys take a couple of his pigs to the fair. We also wanted to thank everyone who came and supported the boys at the fair. It was great to see you there!

Fun at the Fair!

The Nemaha County fair was the last week of July this year for the first time ever. It's usually the first week in August! We were able to go back and enjoy all that it had to offer. First we went to the parade and the boys gathered as much candy as possible.

Then we headed off for some rides. Here on the boat . . .
And the boys favorite was the huge slide. They went once with me, and then once with Nana!
Here the boys are playing in a corn box (rather than a sand box) in the Agriculture building. I think that is such a great idea, just as fun as a sandbox, but without the mess!

Then we headed down to the livestock and the boys enjoyed petting the horses . . .

and the bucket calves.

And they of course took care of their own pigs.

Happy Birthday Kaylie

We were lucky to be back in Nebraska during cousin Kaylie's birthday and were able to help her celebrate at Chuck E. Cheese's! The boys with Kaylie . . .
Kaylie modeling her new Dora watch and tutu. She is so adorable. I love how she is pointing her toe! She's already a little ballerina!

Everyone enjoying Dora the Explorer Birthday Cake.

My double cousin Jamie (Kaylie's mom) and I.

Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo

We took the boys and Nana to the zoo as the final festivities for Logi's birthday. Both Jake and I grew up going this this zoo, so it was fun to get to take our kids there. Our favorites were the rain forest, aquarium, desert dome, and riding the train. Here are some of our pics . . .

The boys in the rain forest

In the aquarium (there is a sting ray behind us)

Me and the boys in the rain forest

Logan trying to sneak up on a peacock

The boys showing their new loot from the gift shop

Logan's Birthday Part 2

Well his birthday couldn't be over until we celebrated it with Grandpa and Nana.

Nana surprised Logan with a Spiderman cake and accessories.

Logan enjoyed opening up more presents.

Even Mason got a gift (those darn grandparents are always spoiling).

We all had a great time. Happy 6th Birthday Logan!

Blackmail Pictures

Much to my husband's disapproval, I have decided to post these pictures of Mason. Our little Masymoo is such a good sport and let me dress him up. (This is what happens when you don't have any girls!) I think Mason makes the cutest little cheerleader and ballerina. First, he is wearing my old cheerleadering outfit. I brought this home to put in our dress up box. This way when we have girls over to play they have options other than just dressing up as pirates or football players.

I made this tutu at a Resident's Spouses craft night for Kaylee's birthday. (My cousin Jamie's little girl). I really wanted to take a picture of it before we gave it to her and luckily Mason was willing to model it for me! Although, I know he is going to hate all of these pictures when he gets older.

This is just a funny picture of Mason I took the other day. He filled up our cooler and "went swimming" in it! And then tried to spit water at me.

Time is but a lake I go a fishing in...

Bass fishing again! I have been able to catch some real nice Bass this year. Here is one of many that I hope to catch again. Maybe, I'll hook the state record this year. ~Jake

Happy 6th Birthday Logan!

Our little boy is growing up, its both fun and sad to watch! Everyday I tell him (and Mason) to stop growing up, I want them to stay my little boys forever, but of course they never listen. They even tease me and tell me they want to grow up and get big. What little stinkers! Last night to start the birthday celebrations, we took Logan out to dinner at TGI Fridays and enjoyed some tasty food . . . Then we came home for cake, ice cream and presents!
Here we have some teasing going on between Logan and Daddy . . .

And then there's Mason helping Logan with the unwrapping process . . .

Logan is so excited to see his new Old Testament Stories. Maybe a little too excited?

Logan and Mason love the new water guns . . .

Next week we are planning on going back to Nebraska to celebrate Logan's Birthday at the Henry Doorly Zoo! The last two years Logan has wanted to go to Chuck E. Cheese's. So we are happy that he has decided on a change of scenery this year. I think the zoo will be a lot of fun.

Fireworks

Well it wouldn't be a 4th of July celebration without fireworks! Grandpa bought a bunch of goodies for everyone to enjoy, plus we also found left overs from about 4 past "Neddenriep Shows" so we were well stocked! Here they boys enjoy some sparklers . . .

Mason was a little hesitant to have two at one time . . .

They boys get ready for the show and then decide that they'd rather sit by Aunt Jessica. It is so funny how obsessed they are with her. At our house it's always all about Jessica. We're so excited for her and Uncle Mitch to get married next month!

Here Jake gets ready to start the show. . .

It was great to watch, very pretty, unfortunately none of my pics of the "fire in the sky" turned out, but I think we can all envision what it looked like. Even though there were plenty of beautiful fireworks to enjoy, the boys favorites were the parachutes. On the way home we had to restock on a few things and when we go back in a couple of weeks to celebrate Logan's B-day with them we're going to do a few more fireworks!