Southfork

We had such a great time in South Fork last week that we decided to do it again.  We did a goodbye lunch for EJ.  I wanted to do something special to celebrate him and Mel.  I got the big sandwiches from Walmart and mom and Tiff brought food and we had a great lunch.

Kyle was able to leave work and come up with us. 

We found a great spot in the shade for the food.  We were in between the water and the big grassy area, which made it nice for keeping an eye on my kids.

Alexys and Caitlyn went in the water for a little while, but the girls spent most of their time playing card games.  These girls have so much fun together and get such a kick out of each other. 

These boys had a blast in the water, exploring and hiking. 

Hallee and Tessa are always happy to let me take their picture.

I'm trying to do better at taking pictures with me in them and then liking the pictures.  It's a work in progress!

I love that the water is shallow and just perfect for these girls to play in.

Kyle is going to miss EJ!  These family get togethers just won't be the same without EJ.

The boys had fun exploring together.

EJ was such a good sport and let me take tons of pictures of him.  Keith decided to take a long lunch and come join us so he could say goodbye to EJ.

I had to add the one of Kyle photo bombing us!

I have always looked up to Mel as a mother.  Being a mother seems to come so naturally to her.  She is so wise and always seems to have all of the answers to my mothering questions.  She has a great relationship with her kids. She has always been so good at doing fun things with them and being there for all of their events. EJ has been taught well and he is ready to leave the nest.  He will be an amazing asset to the US Army and to this country.  He is strong, kind, wise, personable, caring, protective, spiritual, welcoming, intelligent, hilarious and my goodness he is handsome (that's okay for an aunt to say, right).  This is going to be a big adjustment for their family, but they are all ready for it!

Hallee and Tessa wanted to be superhero's again.

I think Kyle was the bad guy.

Tessa and Hallee split up so they could get EJ and Kyle!

Watching grandma and Damon play baseball was pretty cute.

The water is so cold so the boys sit on the rock to warm up.

Wyatt was sitting on the blanket and Kyle and Elijah picked him up and said they were going to throw him in the river. 

Rockwell started fighting them to try and save Wyatt.  EJ took care of Rockwell and carried him over to the river. 

Wyatt and Rockwell were able to escape and make a run for it. 

I love those smiling faces and I love that their big cousins will always play with them and make them feel like a million bucks.

Next it was Rockwell's turn to go in the river and Wyatt tried to save him.

All of the kids wanted a turn being carried around in the blankets.  

I love seeing Hallee's cute, little face poking through. 

Everyone joined in on the blanket fun. We finally had to tell the little kids to give their cousins a break because they are too nice to tell them no!

We stayed for a few hours.  The temperature in the shade was great!

Hallee and Tessa wanted us to come watch them stick their face in the water. Damon did it too.

I'm so glad we have had so much time with EJ this summer.  He makes everything so fun and we are soaking him up as much as we can before he leaves!