4th of July weeks with cousins

With the entire family here, we had to get some nice pictures, so Miji Samways came by to take some family beautiful pictures. She got some great ones of the entire family and Nana and Papa and the cousins

and a few funny ones, including one of Miles escaping the group (which is definitely where he wanted to go)

And, of course, to help us remember 2020 properly, we had to take a few pictures of the family with masks.

The little cousins were living their best lives - daily treats, swimming, sun glasses, and time with their older cousins. 

 

 

 

A new part of the family 4th of July festivities is going to the lake on our new boat with the cousins.

We spent most of a day out on the lake pulling people in various combinations.

Some combinations thought they were in for an easy joy ride. This, of course, instantly increased the ride's intensity. Jared dumped Jacob and Taylor seconds after they taunted him.

Other combinations got calmer rides - and it was a good thing!

Were able to get out early enough that we could get a few skiiers up.

Don't let this picture fool you... Miles did NOT like the boat!

Especially when Matt was up on skis. Jared decided that he needs a captains log for listing who everyone who he has pulled behind the boat.

Taylor would have made the list

and Camie and Lydia made the list too!

Jared was in his happy place pulling skiers and tubers all over the lake.

While not on the boat, the rest of the group hung out on the beach and paddled around. It was a hot day, but the water felt great.

One day, we had the "Paella At Your Place" (aka Paella Guy aka Hector) cook up some delicious paella in the back yard. Jared, of course, had a long conversation and got his whole life history.

 

On Sunday evening, we played the largest, 2 table, candy bar game.

Everyone followed rule #1 - No Fussing!

Everyone got dressed up for the 4th of July, as tradition demands.

However, the 2020 4th of July Parade had a little different twist this year - rather than staying stationary and having the parade pass by, viewers of the parade went and drove through the stationary parade participants.

While different, this did allow for some unique types of "floats!"

Without Parker to provide the Indiana fireworks, we settled for a much smaller fireworks display - just some sparklers around the backyard.

We had to throw this picture in - Sunday dinner conversation eventually got a little old for the teenage boys!