Independance Day

Once again, Mike made his trek up to South Carolina to pick up fireworks for our annual 4th of July bbque. In the past we've invited several families over for dinner and the "show", but this year we just had the Crosby's, Sampson's and the Howell's over. This was the first time that we've done fireworks in this house, and I was a little worried as to how well it would go over. The "fallout" from the exploding fireworks, can be kind of messy and our neighbors can be pretty uptight.

We had a delicious dinner that would have made any relief society proud, along with a pinata, snaps and sparklers for the kids, which they absolutely loved. As soon as it was dark Mike and the boys went down the back and lit up the fireworks. I have to say that eventhough it was a great show, I was super nervous, especially after one firework , instead of going up, flew sideways right at the neighbors window. Luckily no damage was done, but I was pretty stressed that something was going to explode or be set on fire. Everyone enjoyed the show, and Mike vowed that next year it would be bigger and better. I think I might need to start anti-anxiety medication before then..... Ryan Howells and the kids watching small firecrackers.

Hailey trying to bust open the pinata.

Will, Gabby, Kira and Hailey anxiously awaiting their turn for the pinata.

Braxton's turn. In trying to figure out where the pinata was he tapped it lightly, which ended up counting as his turn, he was bummed, but was a good sport about it. Which is good, cause had he hit it hard it would have for sure busted it open and no one else would have had a turn.

Everyone watching the pinata....

Candy frenzy!!

The boys and sparklers.

Hailey

Fireworks!!!!

Pictures curteousy of Kristine

Summertime 09

Summer this year has been very different than last year....with our unexpected rental home project, last summer, we spent every moment working on it, getting it ready to sell. Plus Georgia was in a drought, so the lake level was really low, making it dangerous to take the boat out. So, we worked instead of played
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This year, the lake levels are almost to "normal" and we have no projects to do, so we've been boating and enjoying Summer best we can. We've been able to go out on the lake at least three times a week so far, and are taking full advantage of all there is to do around us.

We also had several vacations lined up. Our first trip was out to South Carolina's, Lake Murray, to meet up with Grandpa Ellsworth and Aunt Kerri. Aunt Kerri was able to get a lake home for us to stay in for the weekend. The house had a pool and a hot tub and a dock. We had a great time swimming and boating. The kids really enjoyed spending time with Kerri and Grandpa. Hailey relaxing in the pool.

Braxton

The pool, hot tub and the dock is on the far right.

Our next trip was a weekend camping trip to Lake Chatuge, North Carolina, with the Crosby's and the Maddox's.

Hailey playing in the lake.

From left to right, around the table, Noah Crosby, Kira Crosby, Seth Maddox, Ella Maddox, Braxton, Jake Maddox, Hailey and Luke Maddox. Everyone taking a break from boating to eat lunch.

These next two pictures are my favorite.....this is our tent (the 4 of us) it was a 2 room, 12 man tent.

This little tent was the Maddoxs (2 adults and 4 kids) all slept inside this little thing. I think their air mattress barely fit. We offered to have some of their kids sleep with us, but Mike Maddox insisted that they would all be fine.

This was an early morning picture of Lake Chatuge from our campsite. It was very peaceful. I was just glad to see the sun come up, since I'd been awake since 4 am. I never sleep very well camping.

These last pictures are all on Lake Lanier, the lake that is right by our house and finally has water in it. Braxton has really come a long way with wakeboarding, and Hailey loves the tubes, and to swim in the water, in between wakeboarders.

Cute Braxton

Sweet lil miss Hailey

Braxton taking on the wake, yes he's getting some air.

Brax the pro.

We've had a pretty good summer so far. A couple of speed bumps, the biggest one being having to cancel our trip to Utah, because of health issues. I'll never forget Hailey's sad reaction when Mike explained to her that we couldn't go out. She was devastated. I finally broke down a couple of days ago and unpacked our suitcases, realizing it just wasn't going to happen. We'll just have to postpone it for a while. We are off to the Beach in a couple of weeks and then up to Virginia for an Ellsworth/Brallier reunion, can't wait for that.