4th of July Week

We had an incredible 4th of July week with family at Claytor Lake in Virginia. It is our one, week-long family vacation of the year, and probably our favorite week as well. We packed the lake house for the first part of the week with 13 people this year, 11 of which were adults- a record. ;) It was a blast! 

The week was filled with swimming, tubing, fishing, boating, skiing, surfing, dock jumping...the list goes on an on. There were lots of laughs and memories made. While with most vacations we are ready to come home at the end, we would have stayed another month if we could. Luke wanted to "just drop Daddy off at home" and the rest of us were trying to figure out how to sneak a few more days there before summer ends.  It's definitely our happy place.

We rented paddle boards for the week and they were a big hit with the boys.

Popcicles at the General Store

Can you spot Caleb? 

Little brother conquered his fear of dock jumping this trip and ended up loving it.

Caleb & Uncle Drew

The guys played lots of (pretty competitive) corn hole games. One night my brothers and their friends were up til after 3am, trying to finish a "best of" series in the rain. Ha! Oh, to be young again.

Creed figured out how to surf with both boys this trip, and while they both had fun, Luke was obsessed. We couldn't keep him off the board!

We even got a few videos this trip...

We had one really cloudy day so Creed and PeePaw did a float fishing trip down the New River. We went to a playground and ended up finding them as they passed by.

Caleb was determined to learn to ski this trip so Creed got in the water with him and explained how.

He was able to get up but never made it for more than a few seconds...

On our last day we got out early so Caleb could try one more time.

And he got it! Can you see that smile? He is a skier!

Not to be outdone by Caleb, Luke decided that he wanted to try. He fought pretty hard but never got up, and with it still being a little cool that morning, he decided that he would wait and learn behind the pontoon. 

Before we left Creed took one more picture of the view from the house. 

Our version of paradise. :)

Thanks, PeePaw and Grandma Beth for another fantastic week!

Recently...

Between getting poison ivy and hurting my foot, we haven't been quite as active as we normally are. The boys were super sweet and very understanding when I was either rubbing on numbing creme or applying ice packs instead of taking them to the pool or park. To show my appreciation, I took them to Build A Bear one morning, something they have been wanting to do for a while.

Meet Cubby Cards and Imperial Storm Trooper

Both bears have been a bit hit around here.

Peepaw came in town about about 24 hours to pick up his new car. The boys, along with their new bears, took a quick trip around the neighborhood.

The Dursts came to the lake with us one beautiful Sunday. The kids swam for a solid two hours and tubed like crazy. It was a perfect day with friends. So thankful these kids all get along SO well!

The Bigs

The Littles

These two...

When Caleb got to spend the night with Uncle Luke and Aunt Briana, Luke was pretty bummed out. I told him we could do whatever he wanted and he requested that I help him build a city with big Legos. Done. :)

A last minute Slip-n-Slide party with neighbors. We ended up ordering pizza in the driveway and letting the kids play until after dark. It was such a fun night!

Farewell to Friends

 Since switching to East campus, we have made just the best friends you could ask for. But, over the past few months, we have had to say good bye to two sweet families. 

The Kirklands have moved to Cincinnati where they are planting a church. Terry Lee is one of the most awesome people I have ever met, and I know that he and his wife Abby will do great things.

We also said good bye to the Dennis family. They felt the Lord was leading them to go to Cincinnati and help with the church plant and they were faithful.  A few weeks ago we met them at Broad Run Park for one last play date.

Caleb and Luke, with Audrey, Owen, and Olivia

Luke and Owen

They have been in the same class at church since we started attending.

Elizabeth and I were able to sit and talk for hours that day. Such a bittersweet time!

One last group shot

Caleb's Magical Celebration

For Caleb's 8th birthday, he decided that he wanted to have a sleepover, and since he loves to do magic tricks for his friends, we also had a magician come to the house to do a show. It was fun and all the crazy boys seemed to really enjoy it!

Caleb requested Little Caesars pizza for dinner

and had Grandma make a chocolate eclair for dessert.

After dinner the boys had time to play for a while and then it was time for Mr.Magic to put on his show. 

With each trick they would jump up and scream! We were pretty amazed with a few of the tricks as well.

Half of the boys stayed the night and they had popcorn and watched Star Wars The Force Awakens. 

Donuts, Bacon, and Sausage (the "unhealthy kind," as Caleb didn't want turkey bacon and turkey sausage!) were on the menu for breakfast. That morning they had time to play video games and even get outside and run around a bit before pick up. 

All in all, our first big sleepover was a success!

I'm sure there will be many more. :)