Our Happy Happy Independence Day

Headed up to my parents' cabin again this year for the 4th and spent the whole weekend there. It's a long drive (poor Tommy especially was not a fan and cried a fair amount), but it was well worth the effort of getting there. The cabin is wonderful. There is a lot to do there between the river and the mountains, but at the same time it is extremely peaceful and there is a general feeling that if you want to do absolutely nothing but sit on the back deck and watch the water flow the whole time, that is great, too, and you won't regret it. It is a great way to vacation with small kids--you get a very real feeling of getting away from the hustle and bustle but still have most of the conveniences of home available as long as you plan a bit. And of course it helps that there is lots family around to help with the kiddos--that certainly added to my sense of getting vacation : ) Here are a few highlights:

We hot-tubbed. Miles spent every spare moment possible in the hot-tub, one day even getting in three times. He would paddle around in the luke-warm water until he was one giant prune. He also would make the rounds asking everyone one by one if they would get in the hot tub with him and couldn't understand why we wouldn't get in for a third time that day. He REALLY loves company and the day can't come soon enough for him to have his brother and cousin big enough to play with him!

So glad the Shoes could make it

Gramps and the Babe. Look-out, ladies!

Guy-time, which Miles loved. I was as appealing to Miles as chopped liver during the trip since he had so many other adoring people around to play with.

 Of course Miles loved riding in the Razer, too. There is a handle bar that sticks out like a steering wheel on the passenger side, and my dad said that when they went out Miles absolutely would not let go of it and seemed to think he was really helping steer. 

We had a bonfire and roasted marshmallows. It stays light out at this time of year until 10pm there, and Miles thoroughly enjoyed getting to stay up WAY past his usual bed-time to participate in the evening activities for the first time.  

We decided to forego going into town (Crouch) to watch the big fireworks show so that the babies could sleep, but I think Miles ended up enjoying watching the little ones that Gramps set off just as much anyway. He would should "Look, look!" to everyone each time one went off just to ensure we all weren't missing out on the amazing show. His enthusiasm is so endearing and made dealing with a tired boy seem very unimportant compared to letting him get in on the fun.

The babies got some serious love from everyone, especially Grandma and Grandpa

It fills me with joy to no end to see how Miles and Tommy love each other.

The cousins hangin' out. It's hard not to compare them since they are so close in age...Tommy is a robust and healthy baby, but he looks like a shrimp next to Eli! They are both so adorable but look SO different! Next year at this time we will all have to batten down the hatches because all three will be mobile! 

 As usual, my favorite thing about the trip was just being with the people I love. Other high-lights were floating down the river, playing in the sand at the beach, cooking and eating ridiculously delicious food, and jogging in the scenic, quiet mountains. I am so grateful to live in this great land where I am free and safe and can spend time in a beautiful place with my family!