Let Freedom Ring

So much to write about!  So much to share!  It's been a week since my last entry and so much has happened.  I'm going to try my best to keep this short and sweet and to just write about the best of the best!

Makayla finished up her swimming lessons!  The first week was bitter cold outside (in the 70's, maybe high 60s)  and the water temperature was near freezing.  While it didn't seem to stop any of the other kids, we learned that Makayla is just like her mama!  It took her a good 10 minutes just to get her toes dipped in the water.  Once her toes were dipped in and she never got used to the water, she decided she wasn't getting in.  I didn't force her.  The second week of swim lessons, however, was a big improvement.  The temps were in the 90s and the pool water warmed up a bit.  By the end of her two week class, she accomplished the following:

Jumping in, swimming and reaching for the side (the thing that was stressed the most), blowing bubbles, going under water (up to her nose), walking along the wall, and most of all - just becoming more comfortable with the water.

Once swim lessons were done and over with, we headed down to the cabin at Lake of the Ozarks.

We did a lot of playing, swimming, boating, eating... 

It was a great time with the family. 

We continued on with a tradition that I started last year with Makayla.  Every year for the 4th of July, I want to tie-dye shirts with my kids to wear over the holiday.  We did it again this year, but included grandma, grandpa, and Aunt Nina.

One of my favorite quotes:

Tradition is a form of promise from parent to child.  It's a way to say, "I love you", "I'm here for you", and "Some things will not change".

-Lynn Ludwick

We spent some time out on the boat and Makayla and Mason loved it!  They did such a great job on the boat and didn't even seem to be bothered by their life jackets.

We did a lot of swimming, fishing, and relaxing.

We had a wonderful time together and I am so thankful that we have a place to go to with the people we love to make wonderful memories.  Even with the 5 hour drive, it was still good.  My kids did great in the car and Makayla was cracking us up.  It was so funny that she all of a sudden had to "pee so bad it hurts" every time she saw a  McDonalds!  Oooh, she's a smart little girl.

On our way home from the lake, we got to meet and hold baby Evan for the first time!

He's a perfect baby boy and we look so forward to watching our kids grow up with him.  Congratulations to our friends, Kim and Dwayne.

A baby is a bit of stardust blown from the hand of God!

After meeting Evan, we went on to celebrate our Independence with family and friends!  We cooked out, played games, laughed and watched fireworks. 

*Notice the earmuffs on Makayla ~

The loud booms scared her and her "racing" headphones comforted her!  They cracked me up!!

Finally -

To end a lovely long weekend, we spent some time at the pool.  Here's my little Mason loving the water!