Within these Halls: a wonderful way to celebreate 'Merica

every 4th we head up to smith mountain lake and this is probably my favorite time up there - because the water is finally a bit warm!

we missed our cousins this year, it definitely wasn't the same ;( but we had a blast with uncle carl and uncle hugh. we even saw more of billy than we ever have, which was a huge plus ;)

wyatt loved being on the paddle board with me and even got in a few times hanging onto the board. Lawton on the other hand only got out of the water to eat and sleep!

silly

goof balls!

this is uncle carl, one of the best men I ever met. I love him like family and Lawton wouldn't let him out of his sight. we joked all weekend that carl grew another arm and his name was Lawton. I seriously had to make Lawton take a few 30 minute breaks from carl so that carl could have some alone time!

captain of the boat that hasn't worked in 3 years. Emily, if you are reading it, GET IT FIXED!!

now this is a special pic. billy isn't able to get into the water unless jack or dale is there to help him in and out. he stayed in the water for over an hour each day and you could tell he loved it and it was soothing. Lawton LOVED having B in the water with him, as you can see ;)

show me your muscles!

4 going on 14

july 4th sparklers

love this face!!!

this sweet girl had a great time - she loves being able to run and get in the water. on Saturday, she was bleeding in 2 places and I worried all day that she might have been bitten by a snake. I almost drove and hour to Roanoke to the only vet open because she just wasn't herself. the one time our uncle dale doesn't come! (he is a vet) ;)

anyway, we gave her a benadryl and it seemed to help. but I was still worried. we found out Monday that the neighbors dog had bitten her. Emily told them about the possible snake and then they told her. what?!?!? I was/am mad that they didn't tell us....I would have been really mad with a 2 hour drive and a vet bill if I had gone!

we decided to celebrate Wyatt's birthday early with some cupcakes. party 1 of a few I am sure!