Even though the calendar shown the summer months had slipped away, the weather was still warm, encouraging us to get out and soak up these dog days of summer.
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| The weekend explorers |
Excitement ran high as Friday evening rolled around and we loaded up the camper with s'mores, glow sticks, and outdoor clothes. We headed a few hours down the interstate to land that Scott and his brother had grown up on.
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| Happiness is fishing with your Papaw |
Scott's dad, my parents, and the owner of the property met us there for a weekend of fishing and fun. We spent mornings sipping coffee by the pond, afternoons hiking and 4-wheeling, and evenings cooking under the stars. The kids got to spend time with family, run through fields until their legs couldn't go another step, and ride 4-wheelers until windblown hair and wind burnt cheeks were worn with pride. Every time I mention taking the kids to DisneyLand, Scott reminds me how excited and happy the kids are doing something as simple as camping, and it is substantially cheaper than taking them to Disney.
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| Quit looking at me Swan! |
The following weekend it was almost time for my sister to close up her pool. We had one last summer hurrah in the form of a cook-out and pool party. We were all happy to meet the newest member of her family...Swanie!!
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| Daddy and his little fish |
The kids and adults all enjoyed taking a ride on the bird and as the warmth of the sun started to set we hopped in the hot tub to warm our skin. We grilled burgers and snacked on sides. The kids grew sleepy and wet swimsuits were shed and babies were bundled up. The fire pit came to life and before to much longer we hauled sleeping babies and empty casserole dishes to the car. Another fun summer's end activity had came and gone.
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| Happiness |
Holiday World is the one theme park that we have taken the kids to every summer. As the kids are getting bigger, more rides are available for them to ride and it is so nice having an excellent park so close to our home.
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| Going round-and-round |
Scott isn't a huge fan of putting his life in the hands of theme park rides, but he was a trooper and when his little boy asked him to ride the roller coaster with him, he gritted his teeth and got in line. Lila was a little frustrated she wasn't tall enough for all the rides her brother is, but was easily distracted by cotton candy and a re-fill of Hi-C punch.
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| Those summer nights |
And with that we closed the book on the summer of 2016. We have tan lines to show for our hours in the sun and broken flip flops that beg to go into retirement. We'll move our swimsuits and beach towels to a different drawer and pull out boot socks and scarves. We'll trade in jars that held lightning bugs for bags that will collect colored leaves. The season of fall is a blank page that we are ready to fill with adventure.
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