Camping We Will Go

Last Thursday we made a spur of the moment decision to take the kids camping at Taylorsville Lake Campgrounds. It was only in the upper 70s and sunny that day- perfect for camping.

Caleb was super pumped to get the campfire going.

Luke liked hanging out in the tent, but was not what you would call a happy camper.

Cooking dinner

and cooking dessert

(Caleb said it was the greatest night of his life!)

The boys slept just fine and were all smiles the next morning.

Caleb was especially happy when we got the campfire going again. This boy could burn sticks all day long!

We are all looking forward to going again, although we may try and talk Luke into staying with Grandmom next time. ;)

The Science Center

Last week we spent the day with the Dursts at The Science Center. We played all morning in the kids' area, had lunch at Subway on Main Street, and then spent some of the afternoon exploring the rest of the science center. They had a blast!

Luke got seriously soaked in the water area. Like, wringing water out of his pants- soaked.

with sweet Hayden

enjoying lunch

I nearly cracked up laughing when I saw this: There was a teenage boy volunteering and showing some fossils at a table. I can only imagine what he thought as he explained things to Luke and Kathryn. 

Thursday FUNday

Over the summer, Thursday are our family FUN days since it is Creed's day off work. One Thursday this summer we packed a picnic lunch and spent the afternoon and evening downtown. We rode a bike across the walking bridge and went down the Indiana side. We also played on the playground, had dinner, and made a quick stop on the way home for ice cream. We wore the boys out...but that's what summer is for!

While Creed and I rented a bike last summer, this year is was MUCH harder getting up to the bridge with the boys on the back. Our legs were burning!

Caleb's photography

Nothing beats Graeter's ice cream on a hot summer day!

Parklands Fun

Last week we met my friend Kristen and her kiddos at The Parklands for a morning and afternoon full of fun. We started off on a bike ride along the creek and the kids loved all the wild life- especially all the spiders. Caleb called them "Daddy Skinny Leg" spiders. ;)

Along our ride the kids found a really cool trail so we spent some time hiking too.

The highlight of their day, though, was the the creek. These kids loved throwing rocks, picking up shells, and simply enjoying nature.

 Somehow Caleb lost one of his Crocs just where the current took off so we couldn't get to it. If you see a navy blue Croc somewhere along Floyd's Fork, pick it up! ;)

This little guy is still talking about how much fun he had!

Luke: Can I go swimming?

Me: No!

(Luke jumps down into the freezing cold creek.)

Luke: See! I told you so!

Luke and Kamryn (4)

We wore them out!

Grandparent Love

Last week we spent the evening with Marshma & Papa. The boys love playing at their house and always seem to find lots to play with. The best find of this evening: Marshma's "good" jewelry. We were out on the patio when Caleb and Luke walked out wearing rings, necklaces, and a tennis bracelet. Oops. They may have put on a squirt (or three) of her perfume too. ;)

Cousins

One afternoon last week, we picked up cousin Ava and brought her back to our house to play. These sweet cousins played outside, had a popcorn & movie night, and even camped out in Caleb's room. The next day we went to see a $1 summer movie and spent the afternoon at the park. I love getting these three together!

Recently...

The boys were looking good before church.

Luke likes to play picnic/office/store these days. And make huge messes.

We had a spent a few hours at the park last week with friends and Luke was so incredibly dirty that I had to take a picture.

The boys will finally wear goggles at the pool.

Last Friday we went to the lake with Grandmom and Grandpa. Caleb and Grandmom tubed for a long time, and had lots of conversations out there. 

And...Luke decided that he wanted to tube too! He loved it!

Caleb and his two best girl-friends from school, Madelin and Carly at a birthday party.

And, a painting party with our neighbors, Rayne & Bella.

Claytor Lake- The 4th of July

We had a great 4th of July this year. While it was cooler than the rest of the week, we still were able to enjoy the lake and fireworks. 

Drew and Creed showed off their dock jumping skills...

Ready for the fireworks

First off...sparklers! 

Drew and his friend got up early that morning and drove to Bristol, TN just to get real fireworks. The put on an excellent show from the top of the dock. We stayed a safe distance away up on the deck. ;)

Luke & Papa watching the show

Emma & Eleanor

Thomas & Caleb

A group shot

(Eleanor just adored Luke and mothered him all week. He ate it up!)

Our summer trip to the lake always goes by too fast, yet it holds so many awesome memories. So thankful for time spent with family and friends!