July 4th

A little late (okay, a lot late) but we've been having internet issues here, resulting in me having internet access very little of the time.  And when I do, the service is often going in and out, making it pretty frustrating to attempt to blog or email, etc.  In the grand scheme of things, doing without internet is really no big deal, but it's amazing how spoiled I've become with having it and how annoying it is when I don't have it! :)

On to the fun stuff!  We spent July 4th at a pond with friends.  Our kids had a blast in the water and the adults appreciated the fact that the weather was quite cool for this time of year!

 The boys enjoyed jumping off the dock

 The pond owners have installed a zip line that goes across the pond.  You can choose to ride all the way across to dry land or drop off  into the middle of the pond.  Ali was ecstatic because we had told her she had to be 10 before we would allow her to drop from the zip line, so this was the first year she was able to do that!

Trae with his good buddy E.  And yes, they are just as much trouble as they look like they are! :)

Taking a break from swimming to blow some bubbles.

 On Saturday we headed to my mom's for a belated 4th of July gathering. Trae and Austin had lots of fun spending some time together!

 I think riding Grandpa's mule is the kids' favorite thing to do on the farm.

Trae thinks the fireworks are cool but way to loud!