Belated Trip Video

So sorry it has taken me so long to get this made and then posted! On the bright side, I've gotten most of my Christmas shopping done.

On Our Anniversary

America Reads Bookmark Contest

This past summer, Luke drew and entered a bookmark into our local America Reads Bookmark Contest. His was one of 50 chosen as finalists. As each bookmark was supposed to be based upon a favorite book, Luke chose to base his on the Iliad.

Abby's Birthday!

Abby's First Day of Kindergarten!

Luke's Birthday!

Here are some pictures from Luke's Birthday. And yes, that is supposed to be a fighter jet outline on his cake (the things they think I can do!!!).

News Update

A random list of what's going on here:

1. Abby started piano lessons. Loves it.

2. Luke is signed up for Cub Scouts. Anyone want some popcorn? :)

3. Luke was sent to the Principal's office for pestering someone. Sigh. Better not happen again.

4. Libby started dance class. Fingers crossed, hoping to remember to take a picture today!

5. I'm AMAZINGLY healthy, according to my health screening for our insurance. My triglycerides were so low they couldn't even calculate my LDL.

6. Mike is volunteering for a local Republican candidate whom we support.

7. Planning on going to the local u-pick apple orchard with the girls today.

8. AWANA started this last week and ALL three kids are now going. Craziness.

That's the news bulletin. If you care for extra details, leave a comment and I'll get back to you!

Tent Camping! Yes, I said TENT

We, Richards, are an adventurous group. Alright, not TOO adventurous but we did give a try to tent camping. We had a lot of fun. Despite a thunderstorm and learned a few things. For instance, have a back-up meal planned if you don't want to cook outside in a thunderstorm. Here's a slide show of the trip!

Mike's Birthday (am I really a month behind?)

Okay, Mike's birthday almost feels like it was a YEAR ago, instead of month. We've been trying to eke every last drop of summer that we can and then there was all the outside garden stuff to take care of...anyway! Here's some photos:

Mike received a treasure hunt map from Luke:
Ah, and it was raining but the booty was recovered!

Freedom Festival Activities

We tried to take a few more of the Cedar Rapids Freedom Festival activities. This year we included a free concert by the Cedar Rapids Municipal Band, as well as the Balloon Glow and concert at Brucemore.


Mike holding the newest Elhard at the Balloon Glow :)


Abby up in a tree that we later found out was a rare specimen. Oops!

Libby thought the music was TOO LOUD! (it was an 80's cover band)


A glowing hot air balloon. There were 5 or 6 of them.

Mike & Luke: Mission Air Show

Mike and Luke took a "man" day and went to a large air show that is held every year a little over an hour away from where we live. They had a great time! Luke came home wanting to be a pilot. Or a Marine. Or a Marine pilot. His options are way open at this time! I'm just going to add pictures here as I have little or no knowledge of what these planes are actually called!




On a side note, apparently, to look "manly" and "in the military" one must put one's hand on his hips when posing for pictures. :)

The Heavens Declare the Glory

They definitely do declare the Glory of our God - do they not? Here is one orange-red sunset that caused my breath to cease for a moment as I paused to consider what a great God creates such great beauty for us to behold (and a side note - for FREE!)

The Kellys Visit

Mid-June (has it REALLY been that long already?), our good friends the Kelly's came to visit us from the far off Golden State. We had a great time catching up. Kathy and John looked the same but they brought with them these....these....MEN. Oh my, does time fly! Of course, they had never even met Libby. They came bearing gifts - purses for the girls (that one was hit right on the nail!), Lego set for Luke (another absolute winner) and a LOVELY smelling candle for me (entitled "Farmer's Market" - very appropriate!). We ate and talked, played ladder ball, went canoing (that doesn't look like it's spelled right), attempted a geocache, some went to a baseball game and some played Uno. It was a great little break from our routine too. Here are some pictures:

The Dance Recital!

We were able to take pictures and video during dress rehearsal for Abby's dance recital. Here's a little taste of the action: