4th of July

We've been blessed with such a fun summer with family and friends. As Andrew would say, "We've been on lots of adventures!" I absolutely love having my kids home with me in the summer, and I cherish all the memories we've made!

We always celebrate the 4th of July at the lake. When I was growing up, my parents always took us to Lake Chatuge (we camped ~ usually for two weeks around the 4th), and the tradition has continued with our kids (my parents now have a trailer at the lake, which we LOVE!).

There were lots and lots of tube rides...

Andrew is too funny! He was having SO much fun!

There was also quite a bit of skiing... in the evening, just before sunset...as we are "slick water" skiiers! ;)

We also enjoyed watching the fireworks from the boat. I wish I could have gotten a pretty picture of all the boats after dark...I love seeing all of the lights on the lake!

~ a pretty sunset before the fireworks ~

Lauren and her Grammy...all dressed in their red, white, and blue!

~ fun with sparklers ~

 Brendan brought along some of his own fireworks, and some of them were really cool! Andrew and Grayson were right in the middle of the action...with their ears covered!

Getting creative with their "slow ride" behind the pontoon boat!

~ Cousins... and best friends ~

Best buddies ~ he is blessed with such a sweet sister!

Love that smile!

Could they be any cuter?!

 Is there anything sweeter?!

He was one happy boy ~ he loves dogs SO much! 

That wraps up our week at the lake!

Pictures from our Oak Island adventures are coming soon!

Lake Weekend with Friends

What makes a lake weekend with family even more fun? Why friends, of course! Mama and Daddy were sweet (and brave!) to let Lauren and Jonathan invite friends to the lake for the weekend. It was their first time to try knee boarding and skiing, and they did great!! We were blessed with beautiful weather for a long weekend ~ everything was perfect!

 These kids have a lot of fun when they're together!

Joe and Daddy spent a lot of time on the waverunner ~ they made sure the kids were enjoying themselves.

 Kevin and Sharon made knee boarding look so easy!

I love seeing my parents having fun on the waverunners. 

 Andrew always has double the fun when friends are around!

 So cute... and so sweet!

Kevin is always smiling ~ and he kept us laughing ~ he says the funniest things!

I used to love riding double with my friends...so happy our kids get to enjoy the lake in the summer.

These girls have such a sweet friendship.

And.... he's up!!! He would not give up... and I'm so glad he didn't! Don't you love that smile?!

SO.MUCH.FUN!!!

My sweet loves...

It's been seventeen years, and he still makes me laugh, all the time! I love this man with all my heart!

Look who's skiing ~ all smiles! We were all so excited!

Daddy took them for a "wild and crazy" ride before we had to leave on Monday. The boys let go a little early, the wind caught the tube, and they went skipping across the water like a couple of rocks! I was laughing so hard ~ it was funny to listen to them talking about it! So blessed to have had such a fun weekend!

Summer, Sweet Summer

Our children were blessed with the most fabulous teachers this year! We had so much to celebrate before welcoming summer!

Andrew was so excited about his preschool graduation ~ his program was so cute! He loved Mrs. Julie and Mrs. Mel ~ they were so perfect for him! He also enjoyed all of the sweet kids in his class ~ I already miss seeing my "mommy friends" each morning. 

Our sweet Lauren was asked to read the meditation for the Eighth Grade Awards Ceremony. She read an excerpt from Dr. Seuss' book, Oh, The Places You'll Go, and she did a wonderful job (she was SO nervous)! She was recognized for being on A Honor Roll for the year, and she received an award from both her Strings and Spanish teachers. We were so proud of her!

Mrs. Warren was the most perfect teacher for our handsome fifth grader! She truly brought out the best in Jonathan. He was recognized for making A Honor Roll all year, and he received a certificate for serving on Student Council, as well as News Team. He was just beaming all day ~ we were so proud of him!

We were so happy to see summer... and Lake Chatuge!

Smiling for the paparazzi ~ they know when they round the corner, I'm most likely waiting with my camera. :)

We're excited to have new neighbors at the lake ~ longtime family friends, Doug and Sissy Howell! The kids had so much fun with Ridge!

Happy Summer!