We love America

I waited a year for this America photos! We were supposed to have them one day and our photographer canceled on us. And we were on vacation when she rescheduled the shoot, so we had to wait till the next summer. It was worth it! 

I originally was going to have just the kids, but then last minute I decided Ryan and I would join for a photo. 

My favorite!! I love the old truck too. 

This one turned out so good! I love it. 

 We only get 5 photos with this package and it was hard to choose. They turned out good! 

Parade & Horses

Just playing a little baseball! America's favorite past-time. 

We were on our way to Macksburg to see Brad, Nolan, & Garrett (and Dale & Evonne) but then found out they weren't going to be home..... so we turned around quick and hurried back to Slater. Slater puts on a big 4th of July parade :) We couldn't find a place to park so 3 of us hopped out so we didn't miss the start of the parade.

Ryan parked up on a curb in the grass and the kids thought that was SO FUNNY!! Mason STILL talks about it 8 months later. They liked to ask "could the black car drive up that curb?" or "could the white car park on grass?" 

It was packed!! Lots of out of towners come to Slater for this parade. Thankfully, we saw some kiddos Addison knew, so her and Mason wormed their way out to the street to get some candy. The people handing out icees were popular....it was SO HOT at 10am!! I think Ryan got burnt being outside 45 minutes at 10am :) 

We didn't get to see the whole parade because we needed to get to Mallory & Kevin's, but we saw a good chunk of it. Mason liked seeing the giant drone (thing was huge). Addison liked seeing some kids she knew in the parade. 

Addison was so excited to Jason & Adair's twins!! They were around 6 months old. Addy loved Vail. (So did I!)

These two were in heaven! Mason asked to hold them too. I was shocked. I couldn't believe he stopped playing long enough to want to hold them. 

My little buddy on a horse!! 

Doesn't get close to a dog, but will ride a horse!! 

Kevin is amazing :) He patiently walked the horses around for my kids many laps. But then Aly took over for him. 

Mason had a good time with the ride on toys in the shop. 

But he really loved the bar and farm animals in the loft area. Ha! 

More baby snuggles :) Garner this time. 

She was so excited to get a little smile out of him!! She couldn't stop talking about him. 

Mason had to get in on it too.... Garner went straight for Mason's face. He thought that was funny. Aunt Ginny had the twins for a week while Jason & Adair were in Canada with her family. Ginny's sister from Chicago came, it was fun to meet her since I've heard so much about her. 

Veronica had to work I believe, but we had Aly, Travis, Kenny, Nolan, Garrett, Remsen, Boyden, Addy & Mason. Kevin took the boys fishing down at the pond, then Ryan, Mason & Cathy drove the gator down to see them. 

We were so thankful Mallory & Kevin had a fourth of July gathering for the Lents family! It was fun to see everyone in the summer and for the kids to do all the fun outdoor activities. 

 

Pickleball, Mah Jong and an arcade

Grandpa & Grandma came for our last few days in Florida. The kids were so excited to play pickleball with Grandpa! 

It was SO HOT that day! We were out about an hour and just melting. Ha! 

The kids took an interest in Grandma's Maj Jong game. We were surprised! Grandma & Grandpa taught them how to play, the kids were patient and learned the game. It was crazy, even Mason caught on. 

Mason just told Grandma "Mah Jong!" 

Addison loves Mah Jong!! She wants to play whenever she sees Grandma. She told us "I'm going to ask Santa for pickleball paddles and Mah Jong. If he asks how I know how to play those games, I will say "my grandma and grandpa taught me". Ha! 

Cooled off with a swim in the little big pool! 

Packed up, ready to go to the big pool! 

Addison was sooo excited..... we went to the arcade! We love some skeeball :) 

They loved the games were they threw balls. So did Ryan, Grandpa, and I :) We threw balls at a screen and tried to break plates. Mason was pretty good at it! 

He also enjoyed the games where they shot water at a target. Then we did some race car games too. We spent about 2 hours there and only left because it was bedtime. We did a few hockey/foosball type games too, they liked those but they were super hard! 

Just out for a night swim on our last night! 

We got home from Florida and then had to get ready for 4th of July family pictures!! 

Stopped at the field to see how much the corn grew. Crazy thing, we stopped to take this picture and Addison claims she stepped on a snake walking to the corn. Ryan took a picture the snake. It was huge. It was terrifying. The kids and I were in the grass, while Ryan was up on the road. He ran to the car and I'm pretty sure was about to leave us! He totally bailed on us. Left the kids and I to run across the grass and hopefully not get eaten by a snake. He wouldn't even keep an eye on the snake to tell us where he was..... we had to gamble and pray we didn't see him as we ran back to the car. It really showed us how much he cared about us.... hahah! 

 

Sanibel Island

We love the beach!! We went to Sanibel island again. We love Sanibel. It's small, not crowded and just the open beach. No stores, restaurants, etc. but that's okay because we pack a cooler :) 

They were still recovering from the hurricane, but the beaches were open. 

I can't believe what a PERFECT day we had! There was a wonderful breeze, some clouds that gave us a break from the sun, and perfect weather. 

The kids searched for shells and brought home a whole container. Along with a container of sand so that we could make some crafts when we got home. We made a shell picture frame for Addison's room. And then Addison picked out a bunch of jars from Hobby Lobby and we made some jars and Christmas ornaments with sand and shells. Addison LOVED having a project, especially one she could do herself. 

And the silly one.... 

So thankful we are able to make these memories! 

And of course had more ice cream when we got back. Ha!