The Worm Factory Lure is a Keeper!

We didn't realize that our favortie lure is made right here in good ole' Iowa....It is the The Worm Factory...right in Coralville,Ia. Here is thier link: http://www.thewormfactory.com/index.html I would highly suggest having some in your tackle. Jaden caught the "uncle" fish above on just his 3rd cast out. It was so fun watching him bring it in. I think both boys have mastered the feel of the hit and setting the line to reel it in. Amazing!

The Fishing Crew

Hannah's first reaction to her fish!
After giving it some rock texture on the drop we snagged a picture.
Simon caught the 'teen bass', but was hoping for it's Big Daddy!
The Fishing Gang is Ready for ANYTHING!!!
Caleb and his catfish...I wouldn't of wanted it bigger....OUCH!

Today we went to a small western Iowa lake. It was most exhilerating for the girls, because they were the first to catch the fish today. We won't call them the BIGGEST fish caught, but the first. So, YEAH! for the girls and YEAH! they were small enough to be released....I'm not sure I would of wanted to tackle the bigger teens for a release when they were sporting for a take home and pan fry kind of fish. ( I'm totally a catch n' release gal) However, you want to serve it up...we gave it our best cast and netted a whole lot of fun. The younger ones ended their day with a dip n' get wet time in the lake...while some were bent on getting the big one....and still are out there trying. Thanks to my wonderful fishing crew for being such good sports and sharing time!

Catch n' Release

THIS IS THE ONE!!!....but not too close...PLEASE!
Big brother Simon is trying to ENCOURAGE Autumn to hold it.........and.....
.... "Make it QUICK....I'm gonna drop it!!!"........

Schools In....FISH!!!

Can I PLEASE touch it...please...please...please!!!
Just like me, it may be small, but full of possibilities!
I think my bobber moved...it did, I just know it!
No matter how you size it up, the smile across the face of our youth when they land a fish is PRICELESS. This weekend we shared some memorable times with our friends. Who would of thought our little community pond would be packed full of long lasting memories. Fishing is where it is at.....and where we are off today! The 'older guys' in our lives our over at the Farm Progress Show, so we are going fishing....after all- our 'home' school doesn't start til Sept. 2nd.....Can anybody say .....'Wahooo-oo!' three times?

The Questions About the #1 Boar....

Jaden was bewildered at the size of this boar. Which inevitably led to the most interesting questions....which of course, was for the Dad to answer. Just sitting back and listening to the responses from youth ages 9 and down was most hilarious!

"Do We HAVE too?" ~ "Oh, yes!"

Drew grew to the 5 ft. mark.
Jaden grew to a little over 4 ft mark
I really just want to drive the tractor!
Can I keep this one?
"This is the LAST one, MOTHER!"

Boys, Sticks, Food!

Oreo Cookie Dots is a favorite for Jaden.
Drew LOVES funnel cakes and what man doesn't like a porkchop?
There's no secret that things on and off the stick at the Fair are just fabulous. We tried to limit ourselves with 3 sensations. Here there are: Snickers on a stick (jaden), MilkyWay on a stick (Drew), Pineapple on a stick (All of us), Porkchop on a stick (Roger), Corndogs (All of us), Funnel cake (Drew), & finally: Dots (Jaden)~maybe that was more than 3, ya' think? My favorite was the Pineapple on a stick...refreshing!

My "FAV" Piks for Art @ the Fair

LoLo was shaping up as cool as the ice
Too real...Too wierd....An Art Success!
Amazing design...I really wanted the set!
So, what do you do with a stuffed beaver and leftover electronics?

Fair Highlights

Jaden LOVES the Giant Slide!
How cute are these snuggly bunnies?
Drew poses with Ashley Quade, 17, of Calhoun County 2008 Queen.
Before the Heat Ray Fire!!!
After fire with Mechbash Robot Combat @ State Fair= Boy Fun!

Race Fan or Not?

Drew stopped a moment @ the Fair to get a photo opt with Dale Jr.'s #88. We all know Drew's favorite is Jeff Gordon, but a race face nonetheless, wouldn't miss this photo opt.