My Life in Toddlertown: 4th of July weekend

We had an amazing long 4th of July at the lake. It was our third weekend in a row to go to the lake and the kids are really becoming "lakies." They run to get into their bathing suits as soon as we get there and Ward is asking for hotdogs for fishing before we can even get out of the car. Even Sam seems to be taking to it - especially the dark room with the amazing black-out shades.

Sam dumped all the toys out of this basket and crawled in!

strolling . . . always a favorite!

This weekend we went down on Thursday and came home on Monday so we really got to settle in. The weekend was essentially one party after the next. Almost all of Ted's family was down there which was great and Ward had the best time playing with John Benton, who is only 3 weeks older than he is. They were two peas in a pod to say the least. I only got one picture of the cousins which disapointed me. I am usually pretty good about remembering my camera, but not this year! Here is one of Alex, Ward and John Benton fishing:

We also had Perry Still's 30th birthday party which was really fun over at the Still's lake house. Ward commandeered (sp?) the camera and took some pretty good pictures. He isn't giving Ryan a run for his money or anything, but he really likes it!

Co Co and Cher Cher

Papa and Mary Chollet

Ann Park was not so happy to be there at first! She cheered up, but then had her first bee sting - on her face! She was such a trooper and ended up having a great time. Plus she loved all the attention she got after the bee sting.

Ward's self portrait

The kids also had fun with our lake neighbors, who are from Birmingham as well. The husband works at Maynard with Ted and the family goes to our church. Their youngest son, Sam, who is going int 8th grade I think was especially great with the kids. I just hope that Ward will be that well-behaved at his age. They also had kayaks and I think that it has convinced Ted that we need one as well!