Fun and Water Babies!

Inspired by our vacation to the Smokies, the kids recreated their own forest in the play bed.  They dug a river (which was later dubbed the chocolate river), built a bridge, created mountains and broke limbs off our trees to create the forest.  They generally had a terrific time getting muddy and filthy, an integral component to a fun summer!

We have been swimming a ton this summer, and the kids are progressing so well!  Today Carter was independently jumping into the deep end, coming to the surface and swimming to the wall.  Ava was swimming all over the shallow end, she is still a little too timid to attempt the deep end.  Of course Dawson is a crazy maniac jumping into the pool without his floaties and swimming like a champ.  It is so full to watch these skills develop and we have a ball every time we go to the pool.  I have to say, I will enjoy the day when I don't have to watch the three of them with an eagle eye but it has been such a fun summer.

Fourth of July

Fourth of July!  Fireworks, Smores, and Swimming, can't get any better right?

And by fireworks, I mean the majesty of the Great White Smoke Eagle.

Yummy S'mores!

One of our children took a bite and said this hurts my tummy.  I want to eat blueberries and strawberries.  Another child said "I love s'mores.  They are the water of life!"  

Just in case you are not sure, Ava was the former and Carter was the latter.  

Bob Bob and Avey Girl

We visited Meme and Bob Bob's pool.  Avery was a little hesitant about jumping off the diving board, but after watching her brothers do it over and over, and having Daddy in the pool she finally jumped!  

Daring Dawson strikes again.  He was the one who begged and begged to go off the diving board, and he was the first kid to run straight off with no hesitation whatsoever.  Then he was jumping into the four foot deep water with NO FLOATIES and was able to paddle himself to the surface.  I'm starting to get a little nervous about taking him to the pool by myself next time!

After watching his little brother, Carter wouldn't be outdone and had to jump!  Eventually he graduated from floaties to a kick board.  I think Mike and I took turns treading water for an hour and a half while all three took turns jumping.  I was so proud of all three of them!  They are starting to feel so comfortable in the water.

July 2014

Now a silly one!

Ohio Caverns

This weekend we went to Sidney to visit with Meme, Bob Bob, Aunt Margie, Brendan and Riley.  I've been wanting to visit the Ohio Caverns, which are only 40 minutes away from their house.  So we all went on an adventure together!

The kids did some gem stone mining.  They were so excited with all the stones the found.

Of course, Dawson enjoyed playing in the water which did not surprise me in the least.

The girls finding their gemstones.

This kid is really too much.  Brendan was passing out some skittles for the kids to share and Dawson told him "Brendan, I like to eat Carter's too."

Thankfully Brendan made sure they were equally divided.

Playing with Meme

Daddy and Dawson

The Crystal King, a 400 lb stalactite 

Thanks to all our family who joined us on our adventure!

Jackson Community Celebration

The Community Celebration is always the last weekend in June.  The kids had a blast!  Here are some pictures with big smiles:

Carter on the batman ride, you can see Ava to the right behind him.

Dawson and Mommy on the BIG SLIDE.  Look at that happy face!

Riding High in the sky!

The Little kid roller coaster, always a favorite.

Then to top it all off, fireworks!  Carter and Dawson were very excited, but Ava was scared.  Even in my lap, she was afraid the fireworks were going to land on us.  So we sat in the mini van where she could see the fireworks but be protected.  A fun ending to a very busy summer day!

Jefferson Fun

This weekend we made a quick trip to Jefferson but we did manage to have a little fun!  There was a small petting zoo with baby ducks swimming in a pond and goats.

Ava loved picking up the baby ducks.  

Dawson giggled at the goats nibbling on his fingers.

We also enjoyed face painting and soap making too!

Gatlinburg - Miscellaneous

All right, the long deluge of vacation posts are coming to an end.  Here are some random pictures that didn't have any other logical place:

Kids in their Davy Crockett hats

Daddy and Bo may have enjoyed this store a little too much!

A big double thumbs up for our breakfast out.

One day as we returned from a big morning of hiking, Dawson just fell down to the floor and refused to get up.  Looks like we wore him out pretty good!

Carter and Ava received their Junior Ranger Badges.  They had to complete some activities in a work book, pick up trash around the park and attend a class.  We went to a flag folding class, and the kids learned the proper way to take down a flag and fold it.

The whole Family!

Daddy, Bo, Aunt Tiff, Andrew and his Bear, Uncle Jason

Mommy, Carter, Grandma, Dawson and Ava

Doc and Ava snuggling after a long day

Sweet kids in front of the mountain scenery

Clingman's Dome

Clingman's Dome is the highest point in the park, and while there is a short hike to the top it is a steep incline.

All three kids made it to the top under their own power, but we did have to stop about every ten feet.  Here is Carter using his compass to guide us to the top. 

Daddy and Doc climbing the ramp to get to the dome.

The View from the Top!  I was so happy to see it!

The kids also did a little rock climbing while we were there.

Daddy was in hot pursuit the entire time.

We also took a short walk down a quiet walkway with Grandma and Bo.

I cannot remember what they were doing here!

Three little kiddos sitting in a tree!