The traditional photo of the five cousins around the pool

Last weekend, we drove to West Des Moines, Iowa, for the annual summer trip. It was a great week. As always Baba had the kids doing all kinds of fun things. There was bowling, a movie afternoon, a trip to Adventureland (Marcy did that one, with Anna and Ella) and lots of games and time in the pool.

Ella and Anna on the train at Adventureland

Jude decided he wanted to play golf with Nathan and me for the first time in Iowa. So, we took one morning and hit the golf course. We also watched Ella compete in a swim meet while we were there. She had the whole crew cheering her on.

Jude being goofy, wearing Olive’s food toy

It was over too soon as we drove back on Friday so Anna could attend the cheerleading skills camp that started on Saturday.

Olive might look happy but she hates long car rides

After the long car ride on Friday, it was a quiet weekend. Anna loved being at skills camp, which continues this week. Also, Anna received big news just before the trip to Iowa. She did the lifeguarding course at DU over Mother’s Day weekend and has applied to many jobs since then. She heard that she got the job at the Buck Recreation Center in Littleton. She has a shadow day on Monday and her shifts will start in mid-July. She is very excited.

Jude, Olive and me on the summit of Windy Peak at around 9,400 feet

It was another stinking hot day today so Jude and I decided to beat the heat and head out for a morning hike. We did a loop around Windy Peak in Golden Gate Canyon State Park. It was a perfect morning to be on the trail.