Happy 4th!

Wait a minute. Something is very wrong here? July 4th came and went, yet we didn't move! What's going on? This Independence Day was a first (in a long while) for our family. No boxes, no trucks, no stress, no fuss. We enjoyed a relaxing few days with lots of parties, lots of pool time, and lots of wonderful friends. I'm pretty certain it was our favorite Independence Day of all time. A BIG shout out to the amazing men and women who serve our country and fight for the incredible freedoms we all enjoy. 

Friends Farwell

The girls had one "last hurrah" at the Great Wolf Lodge with some amazing friends who are moving West next week. These sisters were answers to prayers and friends they'll have for a life time and beyond. It's going to be a hard transition for our kiddos, and for the first time in a long time they will be the ones staying put while friends move away. We love this sweet family and are counting the days until our paths cross again.

 

"The Little Mermaid" (Pics and Video)

These ladies were amazing! Two straight weeks of non stop, practicing, auditioning, preparing, rehearsing, and finally the final performances. Theater camp for our eldest gals (and their best friends) was a magical experience they'll never forget. Ryley wanted the biggest part possible, Kadyn the smallest. Ryley was cast as Scuttle (that part fit her like a glove), Kadyn was cast as a Gull (one of Scuttles faithful side kicks and the small part she'd hoped for that also fit her like a glove). The entire play was awesome. It was a fantastic experience and the count down for next summer has already begun. The only difference? Now both dream of the biggest parts possible! :)

Ryley-Scuttle, Kadyn-2nd Gull To Right of Ryley

                                    

"The Jungle Book"

Thatcher had the chance to participate in a Children's Theater camp a few weeks ago. He only wanted to do it however if his great friend Hannah was attending as well. She was! They worked the entire week from 9-3 and by Saturday evening had a fully memorized play complete with lights, costumes, and props. Thatcher was baby elephant and even got to wear a head mic, which was really great since he refused to wear the elephant ears they had for him. I asked him about it later and apparently he has major concerns against wearing objects on his head! :) Oh well. It was a fantastic night and already he can't wait for next summer to come when he'll do it all over again. 

Priceless Purchase

No joke. This was THE best two hundred bucks we've spent in a long time! Summer's in NC are so toasty and hot. Anything outside that doesn't have to do with water is not an option. The kids are out there constantly, jumping with the sprinkler, the sprayer, water balloons, water guns etc.......Even Raxtus loves it. It's been a great purchase.    

    

N

Fantastic Friends

We made some fantastic memories when our family inherited a few extra friends for the week. Their family will soon move (sniff, sniff), and the daughters stayed with us while Mom and Dad flew West to check out their new state. School was ending here so we of course had to spend our days celebrating and playing! It was a week we won't forget.