Annual Lagoon Trip 2011

 We had a fantastic time at Lagoon this year.  This was Sydnie's first trip down and Cordel's third.  As always, I took a ton of pictures. Here are the best of the best in no particular order...

 The Helicopters

 The Dragonfly

 Dinosaur Drop

 Speedway Jr.

 Red Baron

 Bat

 Bulgy

 Moonraker

 Carousel

 Wild Kingdom Train

 Paratrooper

 Scamper

 Baby Boat (this is the ride I spoke about here)

 Scaliwags

 Bombora

Odysea

Sydnie, Cordel, Dakota, Jacob, CJ, Twanie, Tyllan, Isabel.

We had thought about skipping the trip this year, but I am so glad we went! It was a blast!

She likes the mud...

We went camping to Big Springs while I was on vacation and had a fabulous time. The weather was beautiful and we got to spend time with my mom, my sister and some of my nieces and nephews.  And of course, camping in "short, short" is ALWAYS a blast!

 Here are some highlights...

 The big, cool boys coloring with the little kids! Aw!

Sydnie, Cordel, and Isabel-- The Terrific Trio!

Cordel, Sydnie, and Grandma Kleis. Doesn't my Mom look AMAZING?!? Everywhere we go, people think she is my sister!

Looking for heart rocks, which has become a cherished tradition. I have quite a collection!

 

 The boys built this really cool fort!

It had a roof...

 

stairs going down to it...

 a "transport tree" to get out (kinda like a ladder)

and even a "garage" for their bikes!

It was so awesome!

(oh! and tree bark "carpet"!)

The Luxury SUV gets well used... but it's okay! She likes the mud!

BIG

Cordel has grown up so much this past year. Graduating from Kindergarten-- growing about 5 inches -- being TOO TALL to ride the little boats at Lagoon -- getting to light fireworks on the 4th -- his first sleepover (not at Grandma's)--AND needing a bigger bike cause the red one was TOO SMALL! 

We made him take the little red one camping (for safety reasons. He's still getting used to the big bike) and he learned another "Big Boy" thing from his awesome older cousins. Skiddin out! Have a look...

Celebrate!

We had a great time at our annual 4th of July Celebration. Shane and Pat (our good friend from across the street) BBQ'd the most amazing ribs! And with Chrissy's famous salsa, Mom's fabulous potato salad, and some delicious sweet corn on the cob, we had the perfect meal.

 C.J., Tyllan, Dakota, and Jacob. My 4 oldest nephews have grown into some handsome young men!!

 Sydnie wore these the entire night. She doesn't do loud noises. It was either these or hiding on her bedroom all night!

 This was the first year we let Cordel light some fireworks. He is definitely a little pyro!

SPARKLERS!!

 Isabel, my niece. She is growing up too!

 

Our neighbor and good friend, Pat. We have become such great friends with him and his 2 boys, Michael and Aidan.

 Me and my long time friend, Chrissy. We have known each other for 26 years! We are practically sisters!

This was the first time Sydnie made it to the BIG show!

Cuddling under the blanket watching the magic in the sky.

Happy 4th of July!