God Bless America

First and foremost, we are thankful. Thankful to live in a country where we are blessed more than we will ever know. Thankful to the MANY who fight (and who have fought) daily to keep our country safe and allow us the chance to enjoy all that America offers. Thankful.

As tradition has prescribed, we ventured again to Melvern Lake for the 4th of July. Troy's aunt and uncle live here all summer so we visit for the 4th. Unlike years prior, this year we had rain, rain, rain. Didn't seem to bother the kids...at all! They still enjoyed the water, fishing, throwing rocks, playing with cousins and camping out! Codey is IN his element here. He can't get enough!

As long as Kyndal's feet were on the ground, she was happy. (Tubing, not so much.)

They played so hard all day. Once Codey's head hit the sleeping bag, he was out! Kyndal had to do a lot of walking around this year before settling down in the tent since we are done with the pack-n-play!

The great thing about rain at the lake is that you cozy up and catch up with the family. Here is cousins LaVonna, Makailynn and Hannah.

This photo with the kids in their "4th of July" outfit turned out as good as last year! Really? Why do I try?

Troy's Aunt Lauma and Uncle EC. They always make us feel so welcome. Always with big hugs and kisses. Such a fun tradition.

Cousins Chris, Jade, Summer and Harrison (Codey's big buddy!)

"Uncle" David and Hannah...such a cutie!

Lorinda, LaTanya and LaVonna cuddle up.

Since the forecast was 80s for the weekend, our baby Aspen got to come. She loved her swimming time in the lake. Now her legs are paying for it. She loves the water, the boat, and Troy.

Some of you might remember this pic from last year...identical, just a year older. Not a fan of the tube!

BIG fan of the tube!

Here I am behind the boat on the surf board. Oh no wait, that is Lorinda...she is the one that rocks anything behind a boat...and David too. They are so fun to watch!

As mentioned before, not the rain, clouds or cold weather got these kids down. They played hard.

This is post-tubing. Happy little girl.

About 3 mins into the drive home....the activity caught up with them.