Sparklers, Animals, Boats and Family

As you may have noticed the blog hasn't been updated for almost two weeks. That's because we've been on an extended vacation for 10 days! We've covered three states and driven right at 1300 miles. 

First came the SPARKLERS - 

We spent 4th of July weekend with my family in Franklin, Kentucky. We celebrated the July birthdays and let the kids play with sparklers. I can never get enough of my nieces and nephews, well and my sisters and parents. I just love every minute I'm with them. Here are some pictures of our weekend. 

Aiden did so good standing on the scooter by himself. 

I think it's pretty obvious this kid loves to laugh. Here's another fun video of Aiden making his first basket. 

Now on to ANIMALS - 

We left Kentucky and headed to Chicago to visit with Brian's two sisters and brother in law. This trip was going to be all about animals as we planned to go to the Shedd Aquarium and the Lincoln Park Zoo. Both were fabulous and Aiden had a blast looking at the various fish, monkeys, etc. 

We were also able to go to the beach and several parks for lunch. It was just a laid back couple of days with family. What a blast! 

Our afternoon at the beach - Aiden loves to play with sunglasses. 

Aiden pointing out the rhino to his daddy.

Now on to the BOAT part of the trip...

We left Chicago and headed to the Ft. Wayne area. Well actually an hour north to the lake where Brian's grandmother lives. A family reunion was scheduled for the weekend. This is a lake where Brian grew up so he has many memories there. He was so excited to get Aiden on a boat and "teach" him how to ski. 

We went to an amish village one day and this is us lounging! 

Another boat ride. This time a slower pontoon boat.

Brian's grandma decided to drive for a little bit.

Sunset on the lake!

Grandma and her sisters at the reunion. 

Us on a float getting some sun. 

Aiden in his reunion attire. Ready for the lake! 

And last to the FAMILY part...

This whole vacation we were surrounded by family and we wouldn't have had it any other way. We truly feel blessed to have these people around us that love us, care for us and especially dote on Aiden! :) 

I leave you with a video of how simple things bring a family together!

July continues to be family month with an upcoming wedding to celebrate and than a visit from some of Brian's siblings, mom and grandma.