Summer Fun!

This week the children have been a part of an amazing Vacation Bible School program.  Lucy Mills has attended for the past two years but this is McClain's first time.  As you can see someone was pumped, and someone was not...

He really did fine and even had two buddies, Avery and Hollis, in his same class.  When I asked them how the morning was Lucy Mills exclaimed, "Mama, VBS is the best, best, best! I love it!" McClain responded, "Wellllll if I have a tummy ache tomorrow I can't go to VBS.  I'll just have to stay home with Daddy and watch movies."  #nothappeningkid

This has been a great week and the kids have been singing Bible songs and bringing home craft projects each day.  

On Wednesday after VBS we met up with our friends, Hudson and Avery, for a bowling adventure.  Just look at these precious kiddos in their bowling shoes.  Melt. 

I am constantly on the lookout for fun activities to do this summer that are both cost effective, and either involve air conditioning or water.  Well at the local bowling alley they offer a day where kids can bowl free and we were so there.  

This was our first crack at bowling. 

And they absolutely LOVED it.  Like we were there for three hours without naps or meltdowns loved it.  

Along with the lighter weight balls, the kids were able to use these ramps to help get the ball down the lane.  

In no time at all they got the hang of it. 

At one point Lucy Mills jumped up on my lap and said "Mama! I just love this! Thank you for bringing us here!" 

Its been a full week of VBS, bowling, swimming, and being with friends.  I'd say my kiddos have a pretty good life. ;)  

Edisto Beach

Whew! It's only mid-June and so far it has been the summer of beach trips for Mason, party of 4.  We just returned home from a fun few days at Edisto beach with some of our favorite friends...you guessed it, the Fitts family.  I loved this trip because it is such a change of pace from our regular beach trips.  For starters, the Fitts brought along their {absolutely fantastic} babysitter.  Translation: Mama and Daddy actually get a break on VACATION.  Also, the children had lots of "firsts" on this low country getaway.  

Our first morning on the beach Mr. Stephen taught the kids how to cast a fishing net.  They caught all sorts of critters - fish, crabs, squid to be exact. 

We put them in our sand buckets for safe keeping. 

Along with William, sisters Eliza (2) and Molly (11 months) were so sweet.  I love having their Mommy as one of my closest friends to do life with during this stage of raising littles.  I've learned so much from her. 

After casting the net most of the morning, McClain was ready to bring out the real fishing gear. 

The daddies showed the kids how to use the "bait" they caught from their nets to fish for well, bigger fish. 

Much to our surprise, the first catch off the pole was a stingray.  Yikes! 

Examining their catch. 

Very carefully we let them touch the underside of the stingray. 

Everyone wanted a turn. 

These bathing beauties weren't into the fishing escapades. 

We love swimming in the ocean with Daddy. 

What a great way to celebrate Father's Day weekend. 

Sittin' on the dock of the bay...

Like I said, a perk of having a babysitter at the beach is the Mommies and the Daddies get to enjoy a boat cruise and dinner out while the kiddos get to bed on time. Win. 

Love him and how hard he works for our family.  

We enjoyed our boat cruise so much that we took the kiddos out for one the next day.

Lovin' Daddy and lovin' the ride. 

I think their faces say it all here...

Our little swimmer was able to get some strokes in while at the beach house. 

Another first included kayaking.  Lucy Mills and McClain were't too sure about the wobbliness of the boat at first, but once they got to paddling they loved it. 

Really, he is just the best.  Love him, love them.  Happy Father's Day to the man who leads our family well.