We had a great time celebrating Pioneer Day at church on July 25th. The boys got their faced painted, had a watermelon eating competition, learned how to line dance, and enjoyed the cupcake walk.
Freedom park is a fantastic park in Charlotte. We went around Easter time, and have been wanting to go back ever since. This time we met up with our friends, and checked out the nature museum, right by the park. All he kids had a blast and have talked about our next visit already.
Dave and I had he pleasure of escorting a family's through the temple for the first time. It was a beautiful experience!
This is the face Drake makes when he is the only boy at a "sparkle rapunzle princess party."
My grandma flew down to NC to drive right back up with me and the kids. I had been really anxious about how Dorothy would do in the car, so we split the trip over 2 days, and that way we were able to see Edwards!
I love how whenever we see them, the boys and the puppies immediately start chasing and playing together. It was so lovely to hang out with them for a night.
Our time in New Jersey was spent playing with cousins and lots of swimming.
Drake and Uncle Barry getting ready to walk to the lake:
Lincoln on the dick with Abby and Violet: he swam so much while we were there. Abby and Violet were such troopers to play with him all the time.
Dorothy had a great time in the water too!
One afternoon, we walked down to the reservoir to dig up crayfish and skip rocks. The water was too tempting to not get in!
The kids and grandma walked to a small park in her neighborhood.
I fondly remember walking to the deli with my mom, when I was a little girl. I have been taking the boys there every time we go up. When Dorothy was napping, I took the boys through the woods, on our walk to the deli. They chose a batman ice cream and then ate half of my onion bagel I ordered.
My cousin Abby drive back down with us. We stopped at Lurray caverns in Virginia. At first, Lincoln was complaining about the stop: "this is going to take forever," "the line is soooo long," "I don't want to go underground." Then we walked down the stairs and he said, "this is so awesome, you were right mom!"
There was a cool cave looking area, so naturally they had to make a bear pose for the camera.
All the kids did great in the car! When we were about 30 minutes from home, we had nasty traffic because of an accident. Dorothy pooped, so I was able to change her, without making an official stop. I'm very thankful for Abby's help!
It was so nice to have her at the house for a few days. Mom and I took her to the whitewater center, where we zip lined and did some ropes courses. I don't mean to brag, but I'm pretty fantastic on the ropes course!! I think I have found my new hobby.
The kids were sad when we took her to the airport, but I might have been more than them! She was such a great help with the kids, but even more she is just fun to be around. Next year, I need her for a week!
