God Bless America

We had a very fun-filled Fourth of July! It is one of my favorite holidays not only because it's about celebrating our freedom and independence, but also because we get to spend lots of quality time with our family at the lake cabin.

One of my childhood friends, who has a lake cabin right next to ours, was also at the lake for the weekend. We got to spend a lot of time with her (Shelli) and her two sweet girls, Laci and Cali. Shelli and I have some very fond memories of playing together every summer out at the lake and it is so special that our children now get to do the same thing.

Of course, we can't go to the lake without going on a hike as well. Rylan and his cousin Ava are great little hikers. We hiked over the bridge...

...and through the woods. Ayla enjoys cruising in the Ergo pack. What a nice way to enjoy the scenery.

The weather was nice and hot for the weekend; perfect for swimming. Ayla got to try out her new life jacket and thought it was pretty stylish.

We also got lots of wading in.

Ayla has some serious natural modeling skills. As soon as I put this pink and white gingham bikini on her, which was mine as a baby, she began strutting her stuff. Just look at those runway moves!

She knows how to walk and pose for the pictures.

And here I am in the same bikini around 9 months old. See the resemblance?

My parents see so much of me in Ayla that they've said it's like having me all over again. They love it! It is so fun having a mini-me!

Relaxation was the theme for the weekend. Rylan and Daddy spent some quality time cruising the lake in the raft.

Rylan and Ayla got to wear their patriotic outfits.

We also got to attend a fun holiday party hosted by our friends Dorcey and Josh. They rented a bouncy castle for the kiddos. Ayla even got the whole castle to herself for a while!

All the boys got crazy on the slip n' slide.

And, as usual, the kiddie pool was a hit. Rylan and Ayla splashed around with friends Blake and Claire. It was fun celebrating with so many friends!

After the party we headed back to the lake and the evening ended with a bang, literally! Rylan did sparklers,

we all ate S'mores,

and watched the fireworks show all around the lake.

This holiday gave us more fond memories that we will cherish forever. God bless America!