We always manage to pack just a little bit of fun into every summer, and this year was no different. With a little help from our friends, we managed to have quite a good time. It all started when we got a call from the Ross-Pederson family letting us know that we would be within reach of us, and that is all we needed to plan a trip to General Butler State Park.
It just so happened that we were also able to get the Richter family to join in on the fun. When all of us first became friends, there were only two kids, and both belonged to the Richters. Now there are six, and those six are a handful, even in a small and contained kids' pool. But it was great to see them all together enjoying the hot Kentucky summer.
Although the Richters weren't able to stay in the cabin we had rented, they were able to make it over for lunch one day. The cabin was a perfect way for us to have a casual weekend of catching up and entertaining the little people. And it also gave us the flexibility to deal with the nap schedules of both Alon and Neil.
And here is the sweet family of three enjoying their last few minutes at General Butler. It really was hot, but we managed to get in one last playground excursion before we got into our air conditioned cars and drove off.
In typical fashion, this visit included great food, a little bit of wine, and a lot of fun conversations. We only wish they lived closer.
For the Bowes family, we also got another adventure out of this trip, which was Callie and Reese's first paddle boat excursion. We were informed by the kind proprietor that they could go out by themselves while we watched from the dock. "But," he said, cigarette hanging from his mouth, "you do have to stay by the dock." Because if there's one thing we are comfortable with, it's allowing our two and five year-old paddle around a lake solo while we relax on the deck and enjoy the view. Needless to say, we chose to go as a family and got quite a workout in the process. The girls loved it and especially enjoyed telling us what direction to go. We have a couple of backseat drivers in the making.
Friends or no friends, a summer cannot go by without at least one stop at Reed Valley Orchard for blueberry picking. This year both the girls certainly were into it and were great about getting the berries that were just ripe. We can say that Reese had a little bit of a hard time getting the ripe berries into the bucket and not into her mouth. And Callie always wanted to know who had picked the most berries. We are okay with both of these traits.
We can't think of a better picture to highlight a great summer day with our two girls. They very much enjoy each other's company, and we love to see how well they get along. It's also good to see that they are still willing to take directions so that we can get the picture we want. In total that day we picked berries that only lasted about three or four days once we got back home. They are just so tasty!
Speaking of tasty, it is tough to beat one of Reed Valley's berry slushies on a hot summer day. It is a must have every time we visit, and the only problem is that their cups are just too small.
Unfortunately for us, Reese did not need any help finishing hers. In fact, she may have been the first one to finish. On a side note, as you can see in the picture above, Reese has some wonderful facial expressions. This one states, stay away from my slushy or else.
On one Sunday we decided to stay in town and used that time to get together with our friends the Gabbards after church. It was great to grab something to eat and then hit one of the biggest playgrounds in Lexington. We are very lucky to know the Gabbards. Christi and Matt have been pretty instrumental in Reese and Callie's musical education. If you ever hear Callie sing Dona Nobis Pacem, you can thank the Gabbards for that. Callie and Reese also enjoy hanging out with Skye and Adam, who both are always ready to jump in and have some fun.
Although we had plans to get together with the Johnsons for our traditional 4th of July parade and Seth Johnson's birthday cookout, Mother Nature had other plans. It rained, and then it rained some more. And then it decided to rain. This ensured that we were not making our way to the parade, so we needed a good plan B. Hence, the red, white, and blue cupcakes. It didn't quite make up for no fireworks or a cookout, but it was the best we could do under the circumstances. And sometimes that is all you can ask for.
This last picture provides an opportunity to showcase a weekend when John was not only without friends, but without his wife. Sarah's absence is the subject of another post, so let's get to the story of these two runners pictured here. It was yet another addition of Lexington's Fastest Kid in Town. For the past four years, at least for us, it could have been renamed, the watch your kid cry while you try and get them to run 100 yards race. But every year Callie insists that she wants to do it, so every year we sign them up and get a t-shirt that doesn't fit and a crying child who can only be soothed with ice cream.
But this year was a different story. Sarah may not believe it because she didn't see it with her own eyes, but it was truly an impressive performance. Reese ran well, and Callie showed her maturity by meeting John and Reese at the finish line. Then it was Callie's turn, and for the first time she just ran and didn't hesitate or shed a tear. And she came in second place in her heat! As I said, pretty impressive. Next year, watch out, because you never know what they will do.
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