The 'theme' this year was Red, White and Blue goes Green. So, Coleman helped Campbell wire up the tricycle with solar panels that powered a fan and a little radio. This year, she really enjoyed working the crowd! It is her 4th year, and it was her first year not being pulled. She was really proud!
Here is a shot of some of the neighborhood cuties working on the banner for the group.
First of all, if you didn't know from hearing me tell the stories - 8 of these 12 children are siblings. I think I am in awe, because I can't imagine that I would have a hair left on my head if I had 8 children. Their parents, however, seem to be the most laid back. Secondly, Jodi, in the red/white stripes - LOVES my little girl, and she LOVES her back. She is so attentive with her, despite their age difference. There are reasons to love each and everyone of them (including their friend Austin on the right, who gave me his 'picture smile' each time I took a shot!).
Here is another reason to love it...see this 2 year old? She is catching fish in a bucket (See, the cliche is right!). Someone brought back a little blue-gill from the lake to take to their pond.
She just reached right in and picked it up. Too much! I guess, when you have 7 older siblings - you aren't afraid of much!
It is a very family friendly atmosphere. Just sitting on a blanket near the river.
We went with Casey and A.G. It was this little one's first time seeing fireworks. She thought it was AWESOME!
Campbell loved it too - she just doesn't LOVE the initial BOOM. So, she brought her trusty hunting headphones. Just like her Daddy, always prepared!
WHAT A DAY!
While romping around the room, playing with Ethan...she decided to stand on the arm of the love seat. She proceeded to fall off and hit her head on the a/c unit and fall into a pile in the corner of the room. It was pretty hard, she seemed really hurt - but, there was no 'bump' on the head. All I've ever heard about tough knocks is that you need to know there is a bump coming out - not going in. She appeared alert, but, crying.
Anyway, Mom goes to her room to get a cold pack for her head and calls the front desk. She wants to know that, because we are in the middle of nowhere, there is medical service available - if needed. Of course - no problem.
2 minutes later, I receive a call.
"This is Ambulance Service."
WHAT? I just need to know it is an option - we don't need one now. She asks me a number of questions. I tell her that we are keeping an eye on her - she is completely responsive, etc. No problem - call us if you need us.
End of story, right?
NO! We went to Mom's room to call Daddy on the computer - and my nephew comes over to tell us that the police are banging on our room door. They want to SEE the now TERRIFIED little girl in question. The policeman and another man from the hotel are asking her questions, having her track movement with her eyes and squeeze her fists.
She is fine - they were concerned - all is well. I'm guessing that they want to ensure no abuse was happening and that we weren't intoxicated? Well, neither of these things happened - just a bouncy little kid that may have inherited some clumsiness from her Mom.
I guess we are happy to know that the hotel, being in the middle of nowhere, is VERY prepared to care for us in the event of a medical emergency! Maybe she will be a little more careful next time!
So...the two of us are casually enjoying breakfast on the balcony of our room. She looks over and asks me this question. Of course, I go deep and start explaining that the ocean isn't always friendly - as there are sharks and other bigger fish (circle of life, yada, yada).
Lots of sun - Grammie kisses...
Each year, Leah or Mom always celebrate their birthday here. This year - it was Leah's turn. We went to our favorite place in Port St. Joe - Sunset Grille. You can see that Ethan was too happy to help Mom blow out the candle!
There were quite a few kids!
Of course, there was lots of singing.
If you asked her this week, I think she would choose VBS over school!
Father's Day at the farm meant doing some fishing.
Campbell caught her first fish. Daddy helped reel in this little blue gill.
Phillip also caught one with Daddy.
Coleman calls this my 'Bill Dance' shot!
Tired, after a fun afternoon.
Those Dads deserved a yummy treat (dessert hamburgers and French fries). The 'baby' Bud looked like the perfect complement to the mini treats!
After bed, Anderson enjoyed reading one of Campbell's books for bedtime.
Ballet Camp this week finished with a bang!
She also got to try tap (with Miss Angela) - it was her FAVORITE!
Will caught the first fish!
This was Campbell's first fishing trip.
Daddy bought her the tiniest, cutest, pink fishing rod.
Coleman looked 'super cute' using it!
Lauren wasn't the least bit afraid of worms.
The Davidsons. Aren't they sweet!
Ready to go out on the boat.
While we stopped on the water to read the lesson, this 'little' guy flew by. If you don't think God and Church can be anywhere - think again!
I think she is well on her way!
"Mommy, where do bees go potty?"and I'm only scared of a few things."
~Campbell Vice
She LOVES the water. One week of swim lessons down and one to go.
She only has 'bears' on her for sure list of things she is scared of. Maybe that list will remain pretty short.
And you thought those 'kid-friendly' scissors wouldn't cut very well!
Today was the first day of SWIM CLASS! Campbell, Lou and A.G. started in Level 1 - and Amy Lee is in Level 2 or 3 (not sure). She has been BESIDE herself about getting in the pool, everyday, for 2 weeks. We will keep you updated on her progress!
