Memorial Day Weekend

I can't believe I'm just now getting around to writing about Memorial Day Weekend.  (I haven't been very punctual with my blogging these days).   We were so excited because for the first time in 8 years Patrick was off all weekend and Monday.  Friday afternoon we loaded up the car and headed to the lake.  We spent most of Friday night sitting on the deck wrapped up in blankets because it was cool.  Barrett played with my brother's kids and we just had the best evening hanging out and relaxing.

I didn't get my big camera out not one time. Saturday, Jeremy and Jessica came up and hung out before it was time to head over to a friends place for a birthday party.   Barrett pushed that little lawn mower all over the yard.  He and Emory had the best time playing.  We enjoyed hanging out with all our friends and watching the kids play together. 
Another view from the deck at the lake.  The water was too cold for me and the air and breeze were so nice we just sat on the deck all afternoon. We took the pack and play for Barrett to sleep in but I'm afraid we've out grown it.  So he slept in the king size bed with us.  It wasn't too bad.  I just don't sleep as well with him in the bed with us. Sweet Ally enjoyed the breeze so much. It started raining Sunday afternoon and didn't stop, which was a huge bummer.  All in all it was a great weekend.  We stayed long enough Monday to sign Happy Birthday to my mom and eat cake and ice cream and then we headed back home.  I'm so happy that Patrick gets to do some fun things with us this summer instead of being stuck at work.  We're looking forward to many more lake weekends!

Memorial Day Weekend

Friday night Barrett and I loaded up and headed to the lake.  Patrick had to stay home and work. But we were excited for a fun weekend with family and friends.

Yes, this is what we packed for one adult and one toddler.  We had a fun evening.  I was so excited when I heard there was going to be a meteor shower Friday night.  We were up there once before during one and it was awesome.  We stayed up late but it got cloudy.  I did see a few but I was hoping it was going to be a lot more! This cutie was up bright and early Saturday morning.  After only about 5 hours of sleep the last thing I wanted to do was get up early but that sweet, sleepy  face made it worth it.  We ate a yummy breakfast outside.   After Barrett's nap we got him ready for the afternoon.  Of course, I thought he looked adorable. He had to try on everyone's glasses.

We decided to take Barrett on a little ride.  John was setting up the GoPro camera while Hope was taking our picture.  So the above picture was taken while the lower picture was happening.

Despite the look on his face here he was having fun.  He didn't enjoy the life jacket.

This was while we were riding.  The whole video is so sweet.

Hope snapped this one when we came in to drop Barrett off. 

Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Clay came to spend the day with us.  

I think they were happy to see each other.

He enjoyed the water!

Jeremy and Jessica played with him and he was soaking up all the attention.

This is one of my favorite pictures.

Speaking of attention... There wasn't a moment all weekend that someone wasn't playing with him.  He was loving it.  Coley and Mark spoiled him.  I can't count how many times I've said this since he was born but I will never grow tired of seeing people that I've loved all these years love my child.  There is something so special about that.  

Ally made the trip but she was not happy about the lack of attention she received thanks to her baby brother.  I think this face says it all. Trying on more accessories. Sitting in yet another lap.  I'm not kidding y'all, we're going to have to detox him this week after all the attention. He's just fabulous. He was so excited when Jeremy started playing the guitar.  He was dancing and smiled so big. Sitting on Mark's shoulders. So sweet. Before we knew it, it was time to pack up to head home.  As much as we hated to leave we were ready to see Patrick. We missed him so much.

It was a wonderful weekend with my family.  There are things you don't realize till you're a parent.  Like how much work it is to spend a weekend at the lake.  I was exhausted by the time we got up there and unpacked on Friday.  I hated that Patrick wasn't with us.  I hate asking for help but I needed it this weekend and everyone was so helpful.  I wouldn't have been able to do it without them.  It was exhausting watching Barrett every minute of the day.  He fell off the deck (it was only about a one foot drop onto grass) and then rolled down the hill.  He was fine and probably would have been laughing if I hadn't scared him with my screaming.  Then he fell out the front door twice, WHILE I WAS RIGHT THERE WATCHING!  I was just out of arms reach both times. I was so upset.  It scared the crap out of me.  He was fine.  I think both times my screaming scared him more than he was hurt. 

I'm so thankful for family that not only doesn't mind helping with him but they like to help.  Someone always volunteered to watch him while I rode the tube or floated in the water.  If he woke up from his nap while I was out of ear shot of the monitor someone would get him up and bring him out.  Everyone shared some of a meal with him.  The made it possible to bring him to the lake without Patrick's help and for that I'm so blessed. 

I love you little boy.  I hope one day you have the same childhood memories of this special place.  It's a surreal feeling being there with you.  I have so many memories being in that water with my granddaddy and cousins and brothers and sister and I hope you are just as lucky!

First Lake Trip

Saturday morning, on Barrett's 5 month birthday, I loaded the car and the two of us headed to the lake.  (Patrick had to stay home to work.)  This was our first overnight trip.  I only thought I over packed before.  I had my 8 passenger SUV loaded down, for two people for two nights.  It was a little bit ridiculous.  I blame it on the fact that it was the first overnight trip.  I felt the need to pack pretty much everything we'd used at least once in the last 5 months.  Next time I know we don't need everything.

Saturday was my mom's birthday.  I wanted to get her a cake but I totally failed and got her a birthday muffin from the gas station.  I know, best daughter ever right here.  But I brought the grand baby so I think she forgave me.  I was glad we got to spend the say with her on her birthday.

Sweet boy was held nearly the entire time we were there.

(Which made for a delightful Tuesday)

He enjoyed the swing.

 

We played a little corn hole.  I'm not very good nor do I have the attention span to play an entire game.

Wearing Uncle John's hat.

He was a big fan of the shiny blue cans.  I should probably be concerned.

There was a full moon and it was beautiful.

Uncle Donald found Barrett his very own inner tube.

Cool guy.

Love my little man!

 

First Sunset cruise.  He wasn't a fan of the life jacket.

 

We celebrated Ryan's 27th birthday on the 27th.  (Well his actual birthday was the 27th we celebrated on the 26th).

Aunt Pam made a strawberry cake and it was delicious.

This was Monday morning.  This boy is so happy in the morning.  I would take my coffee to the deck and we'd just watch the water and he'd laugh and talk.  Ally had to be in my lap every minute of every day.  She seemed way more clingy this trip but everyone assured me she has always been that way. I think Barrett enjoyed his first trip to the lake.  We didn't get into the water because it was so cold so maybe next trip.  I was so excited to share such a special place with my son.  Hopefully Patrick will get to join us next trip!

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great weekend at the lake.  We had a pretty big crowd all weekend long and I think it's safe to say that a good time was had by all!  I took very few pictures.  I've really gotten out of the habit of using my camera.  I'm going to need to work on that this summer!

The boys on a boat ride.  I love watching the kids each summer.  I use the lake and summer time as a measuring stick to see how much the kids have grown and changed.  Two summers ago Porter would barely get his feet wet.  Last summer he would get in but couldn't hold himself up in his life jacket. This weekend he was like a fish.  He loved the water and would swim back and forth.  It was fun to see how much he'd grown.

Dad driving the boat.

Strawberry cake to celebrate Ryan's birthday.

Manning the grill really takes it out of you.

Dad and Porter watching the boats on the lake.

Miss Priss.  I was walking up the steps with my camera after taking the picture of Dad and Porter.  She just assumed I was going to take pictures of her.  She started strutting and posing like she was on the catwalk.  I could barely take pictures I was laughing so hard.

Terrible family photo.

Princess Ally and her Daddy.

She started posing again.  She's hilarious.

We had about 25 people stay the weekend.  It was one of the first times we've all been able to be there at the same time.  It was so much fun.  I remember my little brother and cousin playing on the deck in a playpen and now they are of legal drinking age.  It's crazy how fast we've all grown up.  I love that we still enjoy hanging out with each other.  I always pictured the days we would all be married and our kids would play together and while my brother is the only one with kids right now it's all playing out just as I'd pictured it!