Back in Iowa :)

August has been very busy for Noah and I. We found a townhome in Ankeny to rent, moved, and started our new jobs all in about 2 weeks. After being in Illinois the last few years, it is great to be back in Iowa, closer to family and Friends!

I started my new teaching position at Collins-Maxwell High School last week. I am teaching Health, Human Development, Foods and Nutrition, and Middle School Exploratory. It is great to be back in a small school district. I laughed to myself the first day as I walked by the front doors which were wide open letting the breeze in. My last school, I had to pass through 2 locked entries and code myself in at all times. I like this better :) I am also coaching JH Volleyball (I got cornered in the hall by the Superintendent, Principal, and AD on day one...haha) and HS Basketball. It will be fun, but something to get used to since they partner with Baxer for sports...hence CMB!

Noah is working at Scheels in Des Moines in the Shipping and Receiving Department. He has normal hours working 8-4 M-F. Anyone that knows what Noahs hours had been as GamesWorshop Operator in Illinois know that this is a huge deal! I actually see him now :)

We are really excited to see everyone as the Fall gets going. High on our list is ISU football games. Go CYCLONES!

Jill's Summer

In Charge at Camp Canwita

I spent my summer in Ames working at Camp Canwita again this summer. We are a day camp through Camp Fire USA. I got to hang out everyday with some pretty great kids and got paid to play games, go swimming, and go on lots of cool field trips.

Here is a look at the types of things I do each week.

Lots and lots of games like Giant Twister

Get to hang out with my best bud Paul-I have lots of stories about him.

"It's a hot, hot day!"

Field trips like rock climbing at Sports Plex West in West Des Moines

Hanging out and skipping rocks by the river

Playing an outrageous amount of Canwita Ultimate Frisbee

A big thanks to Joy for helping me set up, Jenny for coming to visit and finding my wallet after Paul hid it, and Molly for giving me a place to stay when I was homeless in Ames. :)

Chicago Trip

This year our family took our second annual trip to Chicago. We went to see the Cubs win, visited Navy Pier, and toured the Museum of Science and Industry. We also got to spend the whoooole weekend together for some family bonding time!

My camera wasn't used for most of the weekend so someone else must have most of the pictures but here are a few!

Whole family by Navy Pier

Hey Joy, hold this for a second.

Lake Iowa Fishing Tournament

Josh getting his gear ready

Joy cooking up some breakfast

Supper!

Relaxing around the fire- this was after we rearranged so Joy and I could be included in the conversation...

Results of the tournament included:

Josh and Becca- Most fish caught(mainly Becca) and Josh as the biggest jerk :)

Jenny and Mom- Most dedicated fisherman (Mom), Most helpful to other teams (Jenny) and smallest fish caught

Jill and Joy- Biggest fish and Best trolling motor driver (Joy)

Scott and Tina- Caught the best buzz (Scott), Read the most pages (Tina)