4th of July

We started our 4th of July at our neighborhood parade. Last year was our first year in the neighborhood, but we missed the parade because we were at a wedding in Montana, so this was our first official Allandale parade.

In spite of getting rained on, the kids loved it! What's not to like about free Amy's Ice Cream and cookies at 9:00 in the morning? Tyler rode his bike the entire time and didn't even complain much about the rain. He looked so big riding down the street with all the crowds of people.


Megan's hands in pockets pose in her 4th of July attire


Tyler and Kennedy are waiting for the parade to begin

After the parade, we headed out to Inks Lake to spend the 4th even though flooding kept us from being able to swim. For about 15 years, my family has spent the 4th of July at Inks Lake with many close friends. It was a small crowd this year and a perfect day away. Thankfully, after so much rain, the day was mostly sunny with just a few quick showers.


Who needs a lake when there is a hot tub to play in? The kids spent hours in and out of the hot tub having a marvelous time.


My dad and "his best buddies" as Tyler would call them, playing poker


Elaine and my mom prepare the evening feast


Megan allows one of her uncles to hold her and actually looks as if she might be enjoying herself (don't worry, Megan, we won't tell). She and Clark gaze at the lake.

South Padre Island

At the end of June, we went on our first family beach vacation with another family who has kids the same ages as ours. In spite of a little fever virus Tyler got while we were there, we had the most amazing time. For one, the weather was perfect, not even a rain cloud the entire time. Given this year's monsoon season, we were thrilled with the weather alone. Both the kids loved the beach and having playmates around the clock. Kevin and I also enjoyed having friends there - the kids' and ours. We really were able to relax and enjoy the trip. We are definitely going to do it again.
Here are some pictures of our adventures on the beach, in the pool, and seeing the sea turtles.
















These last two pictures are on the way home. After a week in the water and sun, they are worn out. (If only those naps had lasted longer than an hour)!