Almost Heaven...family reunion 2012

The McArthurs know how to celebrate family style and we had a heavenly time together.  There were many celebrations and fun events.

First we started out the week planning all the things we wanted to do.

Aunt Kimmie gave my boys books she wrote about their adventures together.  Super cute and a great keepsake of this time in their life.

A calendar was made.

Shooting at the old quarry.

Bike riding.

Games.

Playgrounds.

Walks in the woods.

Tree climbing.

Blackwater Falls.

Rock climbing.

Eating at Siriani's.

Family photos at Lindy Point (a.k.a. McArthur Rock)

Doug about gave me a heart attack when he climbed up on this one with massive drop offs on every side.

Songs were sung.

Celebrated Mom and Dad McArthur's retirement.

Sleeptime.

Throwing rocks in the creek.

Fishing.

Rock scuptures.

Catching creepy crawlies.

Wildflowers and butterflies.

Rock face painting.

Dancing at Augusta Festival.

Scottie's for breakfast.

Swimming in the river.

Jax really got into the face painting this time.

India style celebration.

Family performances.

Baby blessing.

High five for this 5 year old!

5. You're the best giggler around...especially right before bedtime.
4. You're favorite playmate is still Jaxon
3. You're latest obsession is Pokemon.
2. You're favorite song is Nashville Tribute Bands' "Work".
1. You're daddy's little boy unless it's bedtime and you want a story and a back scratch from mama.

 Your friends knew what to get you as the pokemon cards and characters were a hit.

 You wanted ring pops instead of a birthday cake.

Daddy filled 300 water balloons for your wet-n-wild birthday celebration. They were gone in about 5 minutes.  Daddy also created a slippin' slide in which he thoroughly enjoyed with you.



And here's you're cuteness. (if you want to see all the pictures go to http://candidlycreativephotography.blogspot.com/2012/06/high-five-for-this-five-year-old.html

Summer school

So the boys and I sat down to create our summer schedule.  It looked like this:

Breakfast
Morning Work (normal house work)
Learning Time
Playtime/activity
Lunch
Naptime/Quiet Time
Afternoon Work (to earn $)
Playtime with neighbor friends
Dinner
Bathtime
Storytime
Bedtime

Our first day we discussed oceans, read a book about an octopus drawing on a whale, drew ocean creatures and painted it.  Colt joined is by wearing his life jacket...lol...he cracks me up.

 Ok seriously, what 6 year old draws like this?  I'm constantly in amazement with the talent of this kid:

 Ahhh, now this is more like it...way to go Talon!

Finding the right shoes

On my birthday we went to Nashville to eat at a the Rainforest Cafe and do a little shopping.  I haven't been shopping for myself since last summer so it was a treat.  The boys helped me pick out some shoes and it was hilarious.  

and of course a 31 year old pic...first time I've had to smooth out my skin while editing...hmmm

Heavenly visits from family

Last January when I was going through a really rough time, my sweet brother Daniel surprised me for a weekend visit.  He even brought his son Aaron along.  His visit filled my soul with happiness and I really needed it at that time.  The boys loved building fort that filled the living room with Uncle Daniel.

In May, my amazing father drove my brother from Utah to Indiana and then drove another 5 hours to visit me just for a night and then headed back to IN to help Daniel move his stuff into storage.  It was wonderful to just see him and be around him.  The boys loved the waterguns Grandpa brought them.

In June, Daniel, Adrienne, and Aaron came for a visit and it was HEAVENLY!  I just love them all and being around them was glorious in every way.  One day went to Nashville Shores (a water park on the lake in Nashville) from 10-5pm, then sat on the grass in front of the Opry listening to a free concert by Easton Corbin, and then ate dinner at the Aquarium (an indoor restaurant with a huge aquarium).  It was one of those days that just felt perfect.  Also while they were here, we gave them a Mother's Day and Father's Day gift to go find out the sex of their baby.  They'll be having another baby boy in about 21 weeks and we are thrilled for them!  I'm so thankful my parents had another child as I feel a special connection with Daniel and will forever be thankful for his presence in my life.

Sometimes I wish time could just stand still:

 The boys with their cousin Aaron.

 Boys got into the chocolate. =)