The Happy Hasselds: Three Months, One Post

So, yeah. I hate when I forget to blog and then look back and it's been like, half a year since I did so which means a ridiculously long post. But hey, I'll be 40 in 4 days, so that's my excuse. That, and being 40 with a 4 and 6 year old! I digress..

One of our outings was to Victory Field to see some minor-league baseball. Our seats were in the sun and it was 4,000 degrees, but then we got some in the shade and everyone felt much better. A thunderstorm rolled through so we had to leave early, but it was cool listening to the thunder echo off the buildings downtown.

Ryan can't help but make funny faces.

And then Bella has to do it too.

In July we were in MO for almost two weeks. It was glorious.

Of course you have to stop at Krispy Kreme when the sign is lit up! The kids were mesmerized by the doughnut making process.

Time on the deck with Maga is always a treat!

The kids had a blast in the pool soaking Papa and Maga.

We worked on teaching Bella to ride without training wheels (unsuccessfully). Gotta love the bike/helmet/swimsuit/crocs ensemble!

Papa made special sparkler holders for the kids.

We remembered the ear protection! Made the night MUCH more fun for the kids!

There was a bluegrass concert before the fireworks, so we sat and listened. Well, we made a bunch of goofy faces, but it passed the time until the big event.

No trip is complete without ice cream from Braum's!

We celebrated Bella's 6th birthday while we were there. And because we were trying to be somewhat gluten-free, birthday marshmallows!

Bella MUST hold each fish she catches. After she talks to it first.

This is the sweet spot that Joshua and I went to a few nights. It was wonderful. And quiet. And wonderful.

I actually caught a fish while we were there too! (I didn't talk to mine.)

A mid-summer trip to The Children's Museum.

These are props from the movie Avatar-the current exhibit there.

We saw a play while we were there-our first ever in five years of being members! Well, Ryan fell asleep, but Bella and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Mid-July brought "Touch A Truck" and we went, as always.

Garbage truck? Might as well have been the president's limo! My kids think garbage trucks are the coolest.

These are my two children. My two crazy children. Who are playing two-person "duck duck goose" while we're waiting for an order at Sears. Bella called "ducker" and I sat there laughing at the fact that they were playing with just the two of them (and Bella's American Girl doll (thanks, Maga! Bella loves her!)).

In mid-July the Indiana State Museum had a Star Wars exhibit. We've raised the kids right and they love Star Wars! It was probably equally thrilling for all of us!

The beginning of August means...THE STATE FAIR!! Always a fun time and this year we were blessed with perfect weather.

This is the second stop every year. The first is to get a wagon for the kids to sit in/fight over.

Ryan finally got into petting animals this year.

Bella's an old hand at it.

This year's treat: maple-bacon doughnuts. Okay, but they're no elephant ear.

This girl loves her some cotton candy.

Ryan just wanted to climb on all the farm equipment.

Love that the kids are in each wheel!

You know those swings? Those really high-off-the-ground ones? That whip people through the air while they tilt and spin? Yeah. She rode that one without me. I sat on the ground and cringed until I heard her squeals of laughter and delight. Then I cringed inwardly while smiling outwardly. She's one brave little gore.

Last big hurrah-last day before school started. A trip to the spray park.

And then, like a flash, summer was over and school began. She was-and is-so excited about school. The Friday of the first week the Children's Museum had its "Members Play Late" night so we went as a family.

Finally old enough to try the rock climbing wall!


She made it up the 20-foot wall to the top of "Mount Pittman." She was a trooper and is ready for the intermediate course next time.

The rest of these are random shots-a little snapshot of life around here sometimes.

He still takes naps. With Fred, his dog (who is a girl, by the way). I love how much he loves his little black lab. He has since saved up his cat-sitting money to buy a little Fred and a dalmatian, which he's given to Bella to keep. He has such a sweet spirit.

I've tried twice to get this picture right side up and it won't go. Turn your head. It'll be fine.

Ryan requested this picture.

We were at Conner Prairie last Sunday and didn't know they had their "Curiosity Fair" going on. So we enjoyed all the fun things going on.

Why, yes, that IS a Madagascar hissing cockroach in Bella's hand. Yep, it's real. Not sure where she got her bravery. There's no WAY I'd touch that thing!

Flight simulator! She did a bang-up job. Literally. Wait until she's older before flying with her. You've been warned.

The Bloomington Symphony Orchestra had a ton of instruments out for the kids to play. I think Bella played every one at least once and a few she played twice. I finally had to drag her away from the tent!