It's the visit we've all been waiting for! Mom and Dad end up spoiling not only their grandsons, but their daughter and son-in-law too. As I've done before, I'm using pictures to tell the story of our week together.
We visited the traveling Vietnam Wall Memorial on a hot and sunny Sunday. I think it's especially meaningful to my parents because they grew up with the Vietnam war. Derek had to work (unexpectedly) on this day, so we missed having him with us. We stopped at a large fireworks stand and thanks to my mom's generosity, we stocked up!
For supper we all gathered at my in-laws' house. In moments like these, I'm especially thankful for both of my families! Derek's dad and sister have July birthdays, so this party was for them. Derek made it home in time for fireworks, and we stayed up really late celebrating the eve of Independence Day.
July 4th found us on the lake! We all tubed, and 4 of us knee-boarded: Braylen, Aunt Sarena, my dad! and me. I hope I'm knee-boarding when I'm 60! It sure was fun to see my parents ride the tube together. I come from a water-loving family! After tying both boats together, we swam and played for a bit. Braylen even rode the tube with Grandpa. Thank you Brandon and Pam for letting us use your boat!
Back at the cabin, we finished up our fireworks. Aaron had the coolest tank I'd ever seen. Leave it to my mom to buy him the best of the best. Our finale shot off 27 parachutes, one right after the other. Uncle Dave and Aunt Sarena helped the boys find the parachutes. Such a fun July 4th at the lake.
Once again our boys picked up their knitting. They even taught Grampy how to knit. I think I must get my "talent" from his side of the family rather than my mom's. :) Aaron made a bookmark for me, a coaster for Grammy, and a coaster for Grampy as well. He's a speedy knitter! Kaleb is very careful, and Braylen made a few gifts for--oops! It's a secret. :)
All 7 of us (plus Ginger) went for a bike ride at a park we really like. Before heading home we all climbed an observation tower, while my dad stayed below with Ginger. Can you see him down there? Another favorite activity this week was seeing Cars 2! What a fun movie! I laughed and laughed! The original Cars movie came out when our boys were small, so they've grown up with McQueen and Mater. It's only fitting for the story to continue as our oldest son starts middle school. I think Cars 2 is every bit as good as Cars 1.
Grampy took Braylen out for a few early birthday presents. One of those gifts is a new kickstand for his bike. No more wimpy kickstand. :) This past year Braylen's really developed an interest in drawing. He draws floor plans for houses, garages, campers, and more. On Saturday he drew a bike rack. He told Grampy about it and they decided to build it together! Braylen wanted to do this for his dad, since our bikes frequently fall over in the garage. It took all day and a lot of hard work, but Braylen and Grampy built a very nice bike rack. It even has a shelf! Braylen took pride in his work, and in his clean-up efforts too. No more falling bikes in our garage! Thanks Dad, for all you did for Braylen that day.
More memories from our week:
- Grampy's baseball clinic at the track. Plenty of hitting, throwing, and catching...and laughing at me since I throw like a girl.
- Scrabble games with my mom and Kaleb.
- Grammy splashing in our backyard pool with the boys.
- Date night with Derek is always easy when my parents are here with the boys!
"Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in Christ Jesus to all generations!"
~Ephesians 3:20-21
1 comment:
Looks like such a fun week! I just love the way your family encourages your boys to become men. The bike rack project was awesome...something Braylen will never forget. I love you, Sarah!
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