Lake Cleveland

We went fishing with Victor and Michelle and their kids at the lake. Treven and Victor were the only two that actually caught a fish, but hey...fishing's not really about the fish. Right?

Chelsey rarely lets me take pictures of her, so to catch her in a camera ready mood was pretty amazing. I guess the mountain air is good for all of us!

It got kind of hot around the middle of the day, so the girls got in the water and splashed around. (Might be part of the reason we were basically fishless!)

One of my favorite things about the lake is the abundance of wildlife. There are usually chipmunks and birds and all kinds of fun things to watch. Today, we had a butterfly that kept flying right by us. It landed in Ellie's hair and she was fascinated to hold it and let it tickle her!

The girls thought is was hot, until they got into the freezing cold water! Didn't take long for them to cool off. Mikayla actually swam across the lake and back. I wasn't sure she was going to make it back, she got really worn out, but she was a trooper! Our friend, Scott, said he was a lifeguard and he could rescue her if she needed it. Made me feel better until I asked if he really was a lifeguard and he said NO!

I think I feel closer to God in nature than in church! It's so beautiful at the lake and so peaceful. It's always nice to have some quiet time to think and reflect on God's grace and all of my blessings.

Treven walked around the lake so he wouldn't snag all of our lines. It's fun to watch how serious he is about fishing and cars and boy stuff!

Apparently, Ellie has been listening to her dad because this is how big the fish she was going to catch is!

4th of July

I didn't get very many pictures of the 4th this year because I was on the 4th of July committee and all I did was run, run, run all day. There was literally no time for taking pictures! Because my husband has a really cool car, I was asked to drive our 90-something year old grand marshall in the parade. It was so hot and there was some sort of hold up for 10 minutes and I felt really bad she was out there in the sun. She was really fun to talk to and I was sad that she passed away just a few months later!

Gary got a few pictures of the parade and more importantly, Ellie picking up candy! She loves all of the candy they get here!

We didn't buy very many extra fireworks this year, but we did get a few for the kids to play with. Obviously, the poppers are always a big hit...unless they are aimed right at you!

Father's Day

On our way to spend Father's Day with Gary's family, he decided to stop and buy water balloons and squirt guns for the kids. Treven and Ian spent most of the afternoon filling them with water, but only a few minutes actually throwing them at each other. I think it was the first water balloon fight I've ever been close to and not gotten wet!

Gary's sister, Sheila cooked steaks for all of the dads. We all brought side dishes so there was definitely no lack of food!

Mikayla stole one of the comfortable chairs and took to relaxing. For the last several years, she hasn't had any Sundays off, so she took full advantage of this one!

Our nephew, Ian, preparing his water balloons! Sure wish Craig and Jackie and their kids lived closer. The kids love spending time together!

Grandpa and Grandma Jones have a wonderful tire swing and the little ones love to take turns swinging on it. The only hard part; finding someone willing to push it all day!

I brought Ellie's little pool out, too so they would have somewhere to get wet. Ellie and Mackenzee loved playing with the cups and water. Not sure either of them ever actually sat in the pool; mostly they just dumped water on themselves and giggled!

Braquel and Keven came out after she got off work. Not too many more family events before the big day!

Two of the fathers doing what they're suppose to do on Father's Day; relax! These are two of the best dads I know and I'm so grateful for them! They both love their children with all of their hearts and would do anything for them!

Wood Family Reunion 2012

The Woods always have their reunion at North Heglar. Last year, it rained and rained, but this year was really nice. Grandma and Grandpa took their four-wheelers and I brought Treven's little motorcycle up. The older kids were really good about giving the younger kids rides all afternoon! My two speed demons together was probably not a good idea! Amazing they stopped long enough for me to get a picture.

Great grandma and grandpa Wood. When my mom married Jeff, we inherited a new set of grandparents. And boy am I glad we did! They are both the most generous, loving people! Every time we see them, they are quick with their hugs and they are always genuinely interested in what the kids have been doing. They are certainly a blessing in our lives!

Love this shot! Jason was sitting in a chair and leaned back a bit too much! The whole back of the chair broke off and about scared him to death! So funny! Glad it was him and not me!

Ellie and Whitney loved playing in my mom's 5th wheel. They thought it was just hilarious to peek out the screen door. It sure kept them entertained when they weren't riding!

We made beef and chicken fajitas for dinner...OMGosh! Talk about delicious!

Check out Treven's hair! I guess it's a sign he was having too much fun! Or going too fast...or maybe both!

Treven tried giving Mikayla a ride, but I think they mostly walked the bike over!