One Sweet World: River 4th Fun... Fireworks and Fireflies...

We had a great Fourth of July filled with family and friends. On Saturday we headed down to the River to spend time with Ninnie and Poppy. As always, Poppy had the toys ready and waiting for Addie and Drew. This visit, we had the most gigantic beach ball, floats, tubes, and slip 'n slide to choose from.

Of course Addie was ready to try out the slip 'n slide.
I think she liked this one more because it had a float.

Poppy tried his best to keep up but he just could not get up the momentum he needed.

After the fun on land, we headed out to the water.

Addie just being Addie...

Addie has been talking about going tubing for a little while, so we gave it a go this weekend and the verdict is in... SHE LOVES IT! Kyle was her first partner and he was a brave soul. Kyle hurt his knee a week ago while at the beach. He has a scab that is trying to heal and tubing did not help the cause. While getting on the tube, he scraped the scab and was in great pain. So not to be put out he put on cool Daddy smile and carried on... with yucky river water going all into his scab. Can we say gangrene anybody? It also did not help that Addie is telling him, "Daddy you are squishing me. Scoot over Daddy." So Kyle is hanging on to the tube designed for one with a hurt knee... A Daddy's love is all I can say.

Addie waiting for her next partner...

Drew hanging out with Aunt Kristen...

Uncle Clint and Addie. She is getting a little more brave.

By the time I got in the tube, I had planned how to sit in the tube with Addie in my lap. I am not going to lie... I am not a fan of the muddy river water. Give me a pool any day of the week. I love the activities on the river... jet skis... tubing... boats... but I DO NOT love the cannot see into the water and the snakes. Alas, Addie and I had a great time jumping the waves and having the water hit us in the face.

After our tubing, Ninnie and Poppy went back with the kids to relieve them of the life jackets (Drew hates his life jacket and Addie was just too hot) and start the grill. We went back out to relax and cruise sans kids.

Clint cooling off with a dive...

Giving proof that I was there... I am always behind the camera:)

Kristen and Kyle getting in...

Brothers

Drew's favorite hang out at the river...
the golf cart.

Dune Buggy the best transportation at the river...

Poppy entertaining the kids during dinner. Earlier in the day, Poppy and Clint had fixed the steps to the slide so Addie and Drew could slide. After the project was complete and Addie was having a blast climbing and sliding she yelled over to Poppy, "Thanks for the steps but they need some paint." All I can say is that girl never stops.

Addie helped Kristen open her birthday present. I found a beautiful clay necklace and bracelet at a local shop on Main Street. Addie is giving me the "oh brother I have to be in a picture" face.

Our day at the river ended with fireworks on the boat and homemade ice cream. Just so you know when you give Drew ice cream at 9:30 pm he is ready to go till about 10:30 when you give up and put him in the car seat and make him be still. Drew loves the fireworks and Addie loves glow bracelets. If you have these two things for my children you will be good to go.

On Monday, we had Fireflies and Fireworks with our Sunday School Family. It was a great time of fellowship. A rain storm came through earlier in the day that cooled the air and made for a pleasant summer evening. The children played outside with toys, balls, swings, ponies, and even found a caterpillar. The grownups watched the children, talked, and laughed.

Addie + Aubree= friendship
The highlight of the night is when Aubree came to me on Addie's behalf to ask if Addie could have a cookie. They are already working together to get what they want... Got.To.Love. It.