Vacation Update

We returned from our annual family vacation with all of my extended family at the end of July. We had a great time, and, as always, it went by way too fast. There were a few tears shed as we got in the van to come back home (not by me or Eric!)

Eric's highlight was spending 6 hours on the Yellow River kayaking with his brother-in-law, Brad. I believe they swam some, hiked up a cliff without any idea of how they were going to get back down, and generally had a blast. (I'm always careful not to ask too many questions about the stuff they do....better not to know:)

Holly's highlight was minimal cooking and polishing off about 4 thick novels. Who doesn't love a good book? And right now reading time at home is somewhat limited.....

Danny's highlight was seeing five deer over the course of the week and swimming at the local pool. And of course, playing almost nonstop with all of the cousins. They literally would leave our cabin right after (sometimes before) breakfast and I wouldn't see them until supper. I'm not sure what they did for lunch all of those days.

Caleb loved swimming and catching crawdads in the fresh stream water. Making s'mores is also a favorite.

Sophie's favorite part was playing with her new twin cousins, Gabe and Sam. They are 5 months old and she could've spent all day "helping" feed them, change their diapers, put their socks on and off, read to them, etc.....she hated it when it was their nap time. She also bonded with her cousin, Johnnie. Let me say that girl play is SO different from boy play. The girls would sit in our cabin for hours and play with dishes and dolls. The boys would carry swords all day and if you left the cabin, they would attack you. A couple of girl interactions I caught...

Johnnie (to Sophie): Do you want me to call you Sophie or Mommy?
Sophie: Mommy.
Johnnie: Okay, Mommy.

Johnnie: Can I borrow your keys?
Sophie: Sure. (She casually slips one strap of her purse off her shoulder, reaches into the purse to pull out the keys, and hands them to Johnnie. Then readjusts her purse.) Let's go.

(She can mimick me carrying a purse WAY better than Eric can.)

A few photos...

Sophie playing in the stream.


The boy cousins (minus their much younger ones), L to R, Caleb, Moses, Danny, Eli. This is when I told them to smile.

This is when I didn't tell them what to do.....

Sophie enjoying the pool. Yes, she's loud and stubborn, but also very cute.

Yes, and you've been waiting for it.....Holly at about 7 months. In a swimsuit, no less!

This may end up being my only pregnancy picture this time around. :)

School starts in less than a week, so look for first day of school pictures soon! The boys are so excited!