We have had an exciting month! We actually took some vacation time, and took some small trips: we went to the Niabi Zoo, in Coal Valley, IL (we may make a new link for the pictures, there were a lot, look for that to come); we visited the Mississippi River Aquarium in Dubuque with Grandma Judy and Great Grandma Carolyn; we went shopping at the outlet mall, where Sage met Spider Man! We also took the boys to the "Big Pool" for the first time; Sage liked it, Braeden thought it was torture! We visited the Clefisch farm, and the Mississippi River in Guttenberg. We also went to the Children's Museum in Iowa City, which was fun for all (especially since Whitey's Ice Cream was involved). Braeden's favorite words are "blastoff!" and "ready, set, go!". Sage is learning new words and ideas all the time, and is working hard with potty training. We are looking forward to fall and cooler weather, so we can be outside and enjoy nature more!
 

Sage on the bunny at the Carousel	Sage riding the carousel in Coralville	Our big boy!!	Braeden, chillin in front of the TV
Cheese!	Sage at the River Aquarium in Guttenberg	Grandma and Sage, studying the fish	Braeden, studying the turtles at the River Aquarium
A dragonfly, along the river in Guttenberg	Nichole, Sage and Braeden in Guttenberg	The view of the Mississippi	Grandma Judy and Braeden at the farm
Braeden exploring at the farm	Just try to catch me, Grandma!	The Clefisch homestead	Braeden did not find the ride a pleasurable experience
Sage, Grandpa Steve, and Ben,  coming across the bridge at the farm	Wow, a tractor ride!	Mom, I made just a little mess......	Oh no! Food is everywhere!
Now, how could an angel like me possibly be the cause of such a disaster?	How cute am I?	Blastoff!	Yeah for B!
Sage with the monkeys at the zoo	B with the monkeys at the zoo	Mommy and Sage by the elephants	Daddy and Sage at the Petting Zoo
Daddy, B and Sage, on safari	Sage is driving the animals around the park	Sage meets Spider man!	A relaxing day at home
A day in Dubuque	Grandmas and Sage at the big fish and turtle tank	Sage rides the crocodile	A huge fish, turtle and duck tank
Sage observes the snake	Sage is fascinated with the Aquarium!	Grandma Carolyn and Sage investigate the inside of the catfish.....	Oh no! Sage and Carolyn are inside the catfish mouth!
Sage tries to escape the fish's mouth!	Grandma Carolyn and Sage at the catfish tail	Braeden gets a very important call	Grandma Carolyn, Grandma Judy, and the Plagge boys
the Plagge's and Grandma Carolyn	the Plagge's and Grandma Judy	A view of the Mississippi from the Aquarium in Dubuque	Sage drives a steamboat!
Retired steamboat stacks	Hmmm.....who is the mystery man?	Grandma Judy and Sage on the steamboat	Braeden studies the fish and the Aquarium
Mommy, Sage and B at the Paddle Wheel