Summertime!!

This summer was extra special and a little different for us. We left Hawaii at the end of May but we didn't go straight to Jacksonville. Chris had to be in school for two months in Rhode Island, so instead of being in a hotel with the boys (since we didn't have a house yet in Florida) the boys and I spent the summer with my parents. I am so glad we did! My parents are wonderful with my boys and truly love being with them, and we also spent lots of time with our cousins... we made a ton of memories this summer! 

Most of our time was spent outside playing. My mom is just the best. She gets wet and dirty with them and doesn't mind one single bit! 

Popsicles picnic!

Spray park with Gram

Love this picture of Luke and my mom!

Playing with Gram in the sprinklers

Just relaxing in the mud...

Boys and mud!

Abram and I also were able to go with my sister's family to Orange Beach, Alabama for a week. We had a wonderful time! Of course the beach, pool and sand were great, but spending an entire week with family when we have been so far away was the absolute best! 

Abram quickly became a fan of boogie boarding!

Love his smile!

Me and my sister, Julie

Cousin time... it's the best!

Looking for shells and fish with his cousin.

So sweet!

Look how high he got Abe!

I think we had ice cream and watermelon every day!

Just the best!!

Then for the Fourth of July we had two big surprises... Chris came home for the long weekend to surprise the boys (and me) and Abram fractured his arm in two places. :( 

We had a fun holiday weekend as a family and enjoyed being on the river and watching the fire crackers!

Abram hurt his arm on July 3. He was playing frisbee with his cousin and he fell and tried to catch himself. He ended up fracturing it in two places, his wrist and elbow. He was such a good sport and even though he spent three weeks of his summer in a cast (which meant no water activities at all) he never complained once. We were thrilled to have it taken off our last week in Louisiana so he could enjoy some pool time with Cade and Ella.

Abe loved this little boat. He would be in the water without getting his cast wet!

He loved this! Cade said while they were riding Abe kept saying, "This is amazing!" 

The day he got his cast. Sweet boy.. he did so great!

So, one morning my mom and I loaded up the boys and headed to the Gator Park.  There was also a petting zoo, but the boys weren't too concerned about that... they loved the gators! The loved to watch them swim and jump up for their food. Craziness! Only in Louisiana!

Jack and Abram watching the gators

Also, one weekend in July was the Red River Balloon Festival. So amazing to see all these hot air balloons and even better to see them lit up at night. 

Our family also celebrated my Grandma's 90th birthday this summer.  She had a huge party with all her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.  It was so fun to have everyone together!

My grandma with her 10 great grand kids!

With her grandchildren (minus 2 spouses)

And finally, right before we left for Jacksonville and after Abe's cast came off we made it to the waterpark. Abe had been waiting for this day all summer! He had a blast. He is fearless and he has become an amazing little swimmer!

Racing Cade down the water slide

Best day ever!

We had an amazing summer with our family.  It was so great to be home for awhile and just enjoy everyone! So thankful we had this opportunity and so very grateful to my parents for opening their home to us for two months!!

My parents with their five grandkids!