Cousin Time in July 2012

Becky and the kids were able to fly in for a lake visit again in July.  This July lake time is becoming a family tradition that we all plan for and look forward to way ahead of time.  So, I was devastated when Callie became very ill the day we were supposed to drive to the lake.  She improved enough for us to make the drive there but ended up sick most of the trip.  She had a bad cold that went into a throat infection which was probably caused from a terrible bought of car sickness on our way from VB to Richmond the night before going to the lake.  And, unfortunately, we were not able to contain the germs and sweet Brighton got sick a few days before having to fly back to Utah.  But looking back at the pictures makes all the negative parts of the visit diminish and I am glad to have some pictures of smiles and fun cousin memories.

Everyone is enjoying Nana and Papa's new kayaks.  Will was even able to paddle himself around in one.

One of Uncle Matt's many uses is that he can throw kids really far!

I took some of Callie's costumes and Papa got attacked by a random herd of dinos.

All the kids loved the boat this year and everyone got a chance to be the Captain.

Brighton looking like she's going to do a drive-by in Gills Creek.

Nana pointing out something amazing.

Stinkerbell

 Another use for Uncle Matt is story reading.  He has a great voice for it.  Callie was happy to share his lap with her cousin and Brighton LOVES Uncle Matt (she loves men!)

My beautiful snow-white little mermaid.

 Two stinkerbells

 Nana bought the girls several new bathing suits.  They had a great time in the Belk dressing room trying them on.

 Callie and Brighton didn't seem to mind the cold water!

Will has apparently gotten to the age where the cold water does scare him a little!

Thinking Dry Thoughts...Sort of!

We are in what I hope will be the final hours of Hurricane Sandy.  It has been raining for DAYS and we are all feeling a little cooped up.  Callie is sick with a cold, so I guess the timing is fine for that!  So now is a great time to reflect back on warmer days of being out and about!  So here is our June from this summer.

Callie and I made a trip to the lake to visit Nana and Papa and some other friends and family.  It was a fun week but it wore us out with all the running around!

Bedtime stories with Nana and Papa.

Mom, Callie and I all got to meet our new cousin Everly!

My cousin Ashley and baby E!

Everyone's favorite reading spot!

Stopping to inhale smell the hydrangeas.

Perfect weather for boat riding but a little cool for swimming (at least that is what I thought, Callie of course, is immune to cold water!)

Can you find the sleeping baby?

Hanging out with Papa by the "pits" (horseshoe pits, that is)

Eating chips and white sauce with Nana and Mommy at El Rodeo in the 'Noke.

We also met up with my friend Catherine and her boys one day and then my friend Allison and her girls one day.  Callie loves anytime she can spend with both sets of friends.

 We went with Catherine and the boys to a Bounce House.  Nana enjoyed herself!  Catherine and I tried it as well.  That is all I wish to say on that matter...

Allison's house used to be a wonderland of toys that I didn't have growing up (not that I was lacking in toys!  She just had different ones from me!)  Abigail's house is proving to be the same thing to Callie and the best part are all the dress-up clothes!

Another fun June event for us was a bowling playdate with friends from church.  Only the kids bowled, which was fine by me since I am so terrible at it!  Maybe I will try the ramp next time I have to bowl.

Those little bowling shoes were so cute on her!

There were no toes injured, surprisingly!

Revving up for Summer!

Actually, we are now revving up for fall but back in May when these pictures were taken, we were all ready for an exciting summer of fun and travel.  And our first trip was to N. Myrtle where we got really "revved" up over Black Bikers Week.  This was our first time experiencing this event that happens every Memorial Day weekend at a beach near N.Myrtle.  It was...well...an eye full in many many ways!  After the first weekend, the bikers pulled out and things got quieter and calmer.  We had wonderful weather and even had some extra special guests at the end of the week.  Matt's Aunt and Uncle, Don and Laura, and Ma-Maw drove down for the second weekend.  It was so much fun to spend that extra time with them and for Callie to get to see them in a new environment.  It was a fun way to start out our summer and was a much needed break for Matt after a busy few months of work.

Excited to be at the beach!

First stop - Southern Suppers!

It is important to accessorize!

A rare snack and shade break.

 Callie LOVES the pool.  Notice the life jacket because you won't see it on her in the August pool pics!

 We visited the aquarium for the first time.  They were having a dino exhibit so Callie got to hang out with some of her favorite friends.

 They have a great moving sidewalk that takes you through the tunnel.  

 We got to be up close and personal with some of God's stranger looking creations.  And the sharks were probably thinking the same thing about us!

 I am posting  the shark pictures for Will!

 And we also got to observe some other strange creatures in the "natural" habitat.  

 Beach Time!

 Callie always makes a friend!

 Uncle Don was determined to teach Callie how to build a proper sand castle.  Callie had many slaves working on this project for her.

 The architect giving orders!

 The best way over the moat!

 Overseeing the final details.

 This castle had a special wing for Chomper the T-Rex.

 Watching the tide come in and wipe out the day's hard work.

Rest Time!

and bath time!

 One of her daily Mimi presents was a new princess tu-tu.

 Being a goof ball!

 New way to wear a tu-tu.

Taking pictures with Yoo-Hoo's camera.

Nail service by someone with really crazy hair!

 Making a road for Chomper to walk on.

 Uncle Don trying to figure out what was so important that she could help with the castle building.

 The slaves back at work.

 Mom always says that Callie and I walk alike.  This picture is proof!

 Uncle Don wondering why he is the only one still building the castle!

 Little Busybody Boss

 Now Uncle Don wants to know why she let the waves come in and take away the castle!

 Poor pooped Uncle Don.

 Callie also enjoyed alligator rides on this trip.

 And train rides...

 And "quarter" rides that no longer cost just a quarter!...

 And mommy may have really enjoyed this ride...

 These rides are always more fun if you have had a lot of wine with dinner!

 Daddy did not have as much wine and therefore did not enjoy the ride quite as much!