Summer Independence

So I guess summer got busy again.  A lot has happened between now and then.  I'll try to recap as best I can. 

We had a great 4th of July weekend planned.  We were going to just "chill" at my moms, watch the kids in the pool, barbecue, and enjoy an evening fire pit.  We had a few nights planned in a cabin by Lewis and Clark lake to have some good quality family time.  But as it is with life, plans change.  My grandpa Andy passed away June 30, and his funeral was July 5th.  We were still able to enjoy the few nights at the cabin.  The boys LOVE fire, they spent hours scouring the shore for drift wood and corn husks that had washed up and dried out.  We didn't even have to buy fire wood.  Boys are natural hunter/gatherers.  We even had a chance to catch up with our old friends Justin and Virginia Meyer and there brood of four. 

But our "chill" time at my parents house, wasn't quite that.  We did find a few moments to enjoy each other, but much of the other time was filled with planning, and extended family.  I can't say it wasn't a good thing.  We were able to go out to "the farm", all of my uncles, aunts, cousins, and their kids for root beer floats and a concoction of every one's fireworks.  It had to be the best Independence day I can ever remember from childhood until now.  There were plenty of children around to keep each other company, and we were all together.  That just doesn't happen when you have over 30 first cousins, not to mention their parents and kids.

Holding my daughter in one arm, the other hand filled with ice cream and root beer and the sky filled with colored fire, I knew this would be a memory I'd hold dear for all my life.  The moment did not escape me.  I looked to my left and to my right and knew I was surrounded by people who cared for me, if for no other reason but because I was family.

We said goodbye to my grandfather the next morning with waves of tears and roars of laughter.  There is a lot of emotion when remembering a life lived so long and so vigorous. 

Lewis, the kids, and I headed out to Gavin's point dam a little later that afternoon.  I thought we might have to drive over in shifts.  That van was full to the brim.  Jack had to take a small uphill climb to get to his seat in the back.  I always forget how much stuff you need when staying overnight in a cabin.  See why we don't tent camp?  We have no room for the tent!  So, thats my excuse anyway.

The boys LOVE fire and spent the majority of the time scouring the lake shore for drift wood and corn stocks for burning.  We didn't even have to buy fire wood.  The next day we hiked up smutty bear trail.  Ella was all girl and kept crying and begging us to carry her because it was 'cary".  Which in Ellaese is "scary."  So, as most dad's go, Lewis caved and ended up carrying her until she had to have mom. 

One of our family friends, who currently pastor in California, were able to spend the second night in their own cabin just two down from us.  They have 3 boys and a girl so our kids were busy and we were able to converse around the fire as the kids found things to burn. 

Phew, fun is exhausting and vacation with children is an adventure.  If you want a relaxing vacation, don't bring your kids, or stock plenty of movies, video games, and duct tape.  We had a fabulous Forth and we plan on cabining again next year....somewhere.