The little cave in this picture is called Juniper Springs. That is where the water is bubbling up from underground. It is a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year round. 
There wasn't much to see, but it was nice to swim and cool off.
Chris and Jonathan had fun too!
It was fun to camp, kayak, and have breakfast on beach towels!
We spent several days celebrating together in a couple rental houses near the beach. The first day kicked off with a co-bachelor/bachelorette party that lasted all day long. We raced go carts, played games on the beach, and went out to a piano bar for dinner. Kristi and Chris dressed the part and loved every minute of it!
They had a small beautiful ceremony on the beach.
Instead of lighting a unity candle, they mixed two jars of sand and wrote there own vows.
It was fun to see old friends from Pine Jog, Kate Anderson and Mo Keiffer
We danced the night away next to the pool and tiki bar
It was a lot of fun and we are so glad that we were able to go and celebrate with everyone.
Yum, popsicles are good! Will said one of his first words while we were there: "Moo!"
The guys got out their tools and worked on a door frame leading into the garage. They also replaced some windows and skylights. New houses always need some TLC.
The sunroom is a perfect place for reading storys.
Last, but not least, the hot tub in the backyard complete with lights, outdoor speakers, and a beautiful view of the stars framed by tree branches. That's the place to be on a cool fall evening!
These were the pinapples back in July
Here they are in late September
Jonathan has had fun growing them and trying out his green thumb.
We posed for this quick pic before we headed for church.
Thea wanted some pictures of the crops growing in the field to take back to Texas. Jonathan is standing in a row of drying hay next to the corn. You can see the soybeans, timber, and beautiful rolling hills in the background.
The corn is looking particularly good this year and is standing tall, well above Jonathan's head.
This year, it was nice to have Debbie, Thea, and Emily all there to present the Iowa State Fair Grand Champion Ram traveling tropy in memory of Craig Van Arkel (Emily's dad).
The Benda family from Minnesota won this year. Our families have been friends and have done sheep business together for many years. They told us that this ram's grandmother was sired by a Van Arkel ram. So it is very fitting that he was awarded a trophy in Dad's name.
Some other highlights from the fair included:
Big tractors,....
....giant pumkins,.... 
....and fried dough (a.k.a. elephant ears).
