We have spent most of the last two weeks on our annual summer trip to Des Moines. We arrived here 11 days ago on what was the hottest Des Moines day in 29 years – it was 106 degrees. So it was straight into the pool for everyone. Since then the weather has cooled somewhat but everyone spent some time in the pool pretty much every day.

Being in Des Moines means lots of treats from Baba and Grandpa. There was ice cream or popsicles every day which Jude and Lily are enjoying right here.

Lily was away at Disney World the first few days we were here but since she came back Jude, Lily and Anna have been inseparable. There have been a couple of sleepovers with the three of them and several special outings with Baba and Grandpa. Then, of course, there are some quiet times with plenty of books.