The Summer of Cousins

Our Summer was filled with road trips, cousins, and copious amounts of water adventures! All in all, we kept it simple and affordable since we just bought and renovated our house. Family time and adventures in the great outdoors cannot be bought for any price. They are {mostly} free and only require time. Time and adventure is what we shall offer to our children!

Every road trip that requires us to drive through the entire state of Florida (ugh!) means a stop at one of the Florida natural springs. This was Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park. Gorgeous place! 

Our little water dog.

A three hour stop for paddling and snorkeling does wonders for a day of driving. 

The first week of vacation was a week in North Georgia in a house in the mountains. This was our first time meeting baby Milo, 8 weeks old. 

Coosawattee River adventures call for a bunch of river tubes!

Kid entertainment for hours. 

Booma and Boompa 

All the girls gather around Aunt Chelcy at the Great Family Float.

Amicolola Falls 

The cousins climbed to the top of the falls. Views weren't bad.

We're all better people when we spend more time in the great outdoors. My little river rat hiking buddy will tell ya. 

Snails

Maisy is energized by the flow of the river. 

We went to this animal rescue/petting farm. Although it grossed me out, the girls loved it. They found a gaggle of kitties to snuggle with. 

We made our way to the Lake where I got to see my treasured girlfriends at the infamous Rekowski Dock.

Another day, another river. Camp/float trip with Grandma/Grandpa, Gerrit + kids, and Michael/Katie. 

Grandma and the girls. 

Every hour on the river is happy hour!!

Michael has been our buddy for 20+ years now; we didn't skip a beat, just picked up right where we left off. Love that guy and his new gal. 

Water gun wars. 

It's not a river trip without a ride on the tailgate of a pickup truck. 

Cousins are the coolest. 

Happy hour in the forrest. 

The Spring at Ha Ha Tonka. 

We discovered this huge waterslide at a campground in the middle of nowhere on the Niangua River. Kids had a blast!

After three weeks on the road, Graham and I drove back to FL and the kids stayed in MO with Grandma/Grandpa and Booma/Boompa. They came home via train and got to stop in Chicago and Washington DC! Cousins were waiting for them upon their arrival. 

Cousin popsicle party!

Paddle adventure with the Canadays. 

 A sunset stroll up to the ice cream shop. 

All seven of them. 

Doc's Beach House, one of the only restaurants on the beach. 

These girlies are the cutest!

Sunset shenanigans. 

After a week in Naples with the Canadays, we all drove down to Key Largo for a couple days. This pic is at Bahia Honda State Park on Bahia Honda Key. 

Snorkeling for the win. 

Sunset at our cozy little resort was pretty magical. 

The grounds during the day, nice spot to relax. 

Happy 8th Birthday to Selah!

After the Keys, we drove over to the east coast of FL for a skim competition. Cousin Bengt and Grandma road tripped from Missouri and met us there. This was Bengt's first time to see the ocean, so it was extra special.

Alastair took 3rd place in his division. He's certainly improving!

Bengt introduced Alastair to wakeboarding at our local wakeboard park. He's hooked!

Sunset with Grandma. 

The night before the first day of school is "Meet the Teacher" night. 

First day of school. Third and fifth grades.

First day of school special dinner. Lobster and steak. 

Remind me never to cook lobster at home again😩

School has begun, but summer fun must prevail!

For Fran, snorkeling is LIFE!

Maisy is super into JUMP pics. 

Francis is honing her skim skills...her daddy may have promised her a bracelet if she can nail a shuv-it. 

Fifteen year anniversary paddle. We enjoy where we live, can you tell?!

Graham follows surf conditions all over the state, so when the swell is within a few hours drive, we go! We loaded up and drove four hours to Cocoa Beach for a quick 24 hour trip. 

Alastair got to meet up with one of his long distance skim buddies. 

Skate date with Maisy girl to get some Acai Bowls. 

These girls are ready for the beach. 

Booma and Boompa came for a few days and then took the kids to Atlantis in the Bahamas for a week! Lucky ducks. 

When the kids are away, mom and dad will play. Skate date on the Gordon River Greenway.

Got a skate board for my birthday, so we went cruisin'.

Mom surprised me with happy hour with friends!

Hurricane Michael brought swell to the Gulf. Surfing gives life to this guy. 

Maisy is preparing for the October skim competition.