4th of July at the lake

Fourth of July continues to be on the top of the list for favorite holidays. There isn't a lot of pressure for getting things done, we get to spend some time at the lake, and the kids are just so happy. Lolly and Pops came to the lake, Drew and his family were in town so they came down, as well as Richard and Ryffel and their family, and Chaney and Mike with their boys. It was quite a crowd but so fun!

We spent the day of the 3rd with family... playing on all the outside, swinging, riding four-wheelers, and riding on the boat...a lot! Matt got to play captain all day taking everyone on as many tube rides as possible. The kids couldn't get enough and almost all of them are finally brave enough for their turn. Hadley and Hudson are just complete dare-devils and we can't ever seem to get them to hold up a slow down signal! More than anything though, I LOVE to hear the laughs coming from the tube when they are having so much fun!

James, Hudson, and Davis could hardly get enough. It was loud screaming coming from the tube when it was their turn!

Precious Hadley looking so grown up. It just doesn't seem right!

While we were out on the water, Ryan and Papa were back at the house cooking up a dinner of hotdogs and hamburgers. Always plenty of food!!! 

Hudson rode on the kayak for his first time ever and I was pretty amazed at how well he did guiding it all himself. And he sure didn't wear out! He was out there paddling for almost 45 minutes!

As the day was coming to an end we played inside some more for a break from the sun and then put on a movie to really relax. So fun to see them all huddled around the tv and enjoying time together. Unfortunately, a HUGE unexpected storm came through. I guess they call it "training" because the storm just kept building and building on itself and we got hit with some massive winds and flooding. Trees were breaking, water was rising, and we finally lost power. After sitting around the house with flashlights and some scared kids we finally decided to give up and head home. It added a lot of excitement to the end of our day!

Sweet Hudson was totally worn out by the end of the night!

The fourth fell on Monday this year and we had such a low-key day planned. Sloan had spent the night at our house so we woke up, got dressed, had some festive donuts, and got on the golf-cart to watch the neighborhood parade. The kids were a little disappointed we didn't participate but we had really expected to still be at the lake and had no time to decorate the golf cart. Bummer!

We made it to the pool early and were excited for all the fun festivities they had planned. The kids did a money drop where the lifeguards threw coins in the pool and they got to jump in and collect them. Hudson and Davis made out with quite a bit of money! Ryan and his family came up to swim as welll and the boys loved the money drop. Hadley and Sloan participated in the daughter/daddy race where Hadley got 2nd and Sloan got 3rd! They loved showing off their ribbons...

After swimming at the pool all day we came back to our house to play and get ready for fireworks. We quickly ended up with SEVERAL kids over and playing in Hadley's room but it was so much fun! The Fares came over to watch fireworks with us and we all had a great time...even if it didn't start until 10:30!!!! It was a crazy weekend but one to remember. Hadley and Hudson love having all the guests and I will really miss these days!

Picking Hadley up from K-Kountry

I have been looking forward to this day ALL week! It was finally time to pick up Hadley and I was just giddy! 

We tried to decide if it would be a complete disaster to take Hudson with us. Of course, we wanted to since he was SO excited to see Hadley but I was nervous that 5 hours in the car to sit through a bunch of ceremonies, only to get right back in the car would be a little too much for him. But Matt found a Ninja Warrior gym (Hudson and Matt's favorite show) on the way to camp and about 30 minutes outside of camp. Since we didn't have to pick up Hadley until 5:00 it gave us plenty of time to drive up there, play for a while, and then head over to Kanakuk. Hudson was so excited in the car. He is constantly setting up a "ninja warrior" obstacle course in the house and would love to compete someday! He has his favorite people he cheers for and knows so much about the show. 

We got to the gym and there was a birthday party going on but we were still able to pay $10 and each of us try out the equipment. And when I say "each of us" what I really mean is Matt and Hudson. I was just there to take pictures! They had a smaller warped wall for kids and a regulation size wall for adults (and I guess kids if they could do it). Hudson was the smallest kid in there but so determined to do the wall. He didn't even get very close and got frustrated several times but just kept trying and trying. He was able to complete a few other obstacles though and had so much fun. He also loved cheering on his daddy which impressed us with all he could do! 

After leaving the gym we still had about an hour to kill before picking up Hadley. We drove onto the main strip in Branson and decided to stop and ride some go-karts. Hudson was able to drive (with his daddy's help) and loved racing everyone else.  We also did the bumper boats and played lots of games inside. He was pretty worn out and ready to go get his sister by the time we were done. 

We got to Kamp about 30 minutes early and waited in a line for quite a while but people were quickly piling in behind us. My heart was racing when they opened the gates and let us come inside. It was a long walk (not really, just felt like it) as we followed the crowd in to come find our little girl. But she was right there waiting for us and I quickly saw her running toward us. She had the biggest smile on her face and ran and jumped in my arms. My eyes filled up with tears and her hug felt better than it ever had. She quickly jumped down, hugged her daddy for a long time and then embraced Hudson. She told him she missed him and he said, "I already forgot your voice." He was so happy to see his big sister again!

We made our way to the food where they had prepared a BBQ dinner for us and we sat on the grass and talked about her week. She was talking 90 mph and could barely concentrate as she was looking around for her friends to introduce us to and pointing out all her counselors. We went to the Kamp store, picked out a blanket and some clothes, and they soon called us back to our separate cabins so we could watch our kampers be given their awards.

Hadley was given the Friendship award by her counselors, Paris Hutchison, Lauren Greenwood, and Courtney Crawford. She was recognized for her qualities of contentment and loyalty. Their description was written "Hadley is a friend that loves others, even when it may be hard to. Her loyalties run deep and she extends grace to all. Hadley is satisfied in Christ and knows that her joy comes from Him." I love and am not at all surprised this was her award. She is always such a great friend and can literally make friends with ANYONE.

Hadley and her friends from Barn 3. Hadley is a Kiowa. So fun!

Good thing she's young! I think my back would not have survived a week in her barn!

After getting a quick tour of her barn we got in the car to head home (or partway). We decided to drive to Joplin assuming the kids would sleep in the car and our drive would be much shorter the next day. We questioned the plan when they were both crying about being so hungry and wouldn't even lay down. But a quick trip to sonic, full bellies, and a little ice cream settled them down for them to pass out the rest of the 2 hour drive.  We woke up for breakfast the next morning and hit the road by 10am. It ended up being a great plan!

Here are some pics posted on the Kanakuk website the following day. The first pic is just of us in the background but the second pic may be one of my all-time favorites. I LOVE that huge smile on Hudson's face as he swa Hadley for the first time!

Kanakuk was a huge success and Hadley loved it. She said she can't wait to go back but still isn't quite sure she can handle 2 weeks. We may stick with 1 week for another year at least....I'm not sure mommy could handle 2 weeks either. I know next year will be easier but I spent every single day of her being gone worried if she was having fun. She was my first thought when I woke up and all throughout the day. I know she had so much spiritual growth this year and it was a wonderful experience so hopefully next year I can rest a little better!

June Pics

June was such a busy month with a family vacation, Hadley's birthday, and Hadley going to Kanakuk that I have very few pictures not in seperate posts. But here's to the beginning of summer...

We spent lots of time at the pool, getting sno cones, and cooling off in the early heat of summer. 

I just LOVE this picture of Hadley brushing her teeth. Still so little she has to use a step stool at the sink but looking so grown up too. Those mismatched clothes, her sports bra, and holding her hair back just makes the picture to me!

The kids had another year of Vacation Bible School at Crossings. Hudson was in a friend of mine's class so I got lots of pictures of him throughout the week. Unfortunately, I got none of Hadley. But they both had a blast! Hudson was in class with a bunch of new kids that will be in Kindergarten with him and Hadley had several friends from school with her in her class. Such a fun week!

These last three pics were taken during Hadleys week at Kanakuk. Sleepy boy that I will never get tired of taking pictures of, relaxing on the couch with Hudson, and working in his Kindergarten workbook. Hudson is such a little sponge and always wanting to learn! Sure hopes that continues!

A quote I don't want to forget...I was laying in bed with Hudson while he was trying to fall asleep. He said, "Mommy, when I die I will go to Heaven and I will look and look for you until I find you. A lot of people have died so it will probably take me a long time though.

This boy and his sweet heart!!!