pool time

Here are a few pictures at the pool...

Hudson and Daddy practicing blowing bubbles...

the "old guys" in the hot tub...

helping Clara get used to the water...

Roy & Hudson + Ben & Clara = 2 great dads and 2 cute kids

splashing and jumping (over and over again)...

Clara showing off her cute bikini...

silly Uncle Ben squirting Hudson...

making lots of silly faces at Clara while swimming together...

water + beach + sand = fun

My highlight from our time at Lake Rathbun was Thursday afternoon when we spent some time at the beach, by the water and sand.  Mr. Jacy took his fishing boat and kayaks, which made great fun for everyone.  Hudson enjoyed his first boat ride and thought he was big stuff...so fun!  

After the boat ride he had a blast playing with the sand on the beach.  

Sand was everywhere!  

 

Roy and Clara watching all the excitement.  

Jon took his dog along and Clara and Hudson enjoyed watching it swim/fetch the ball over and over again.  

  

Fun in the kayaks!  

Honey Creek Memories...

We made many fond memories with family during our short stay at Honey Creek Resort.  Here are some more pictures from our time...

Chillin' with Nana Sue and cousin Oliver.  

Breakfast together in the lodge.  

Checking out the water with Mommy.  Don't forget the sunglasses!  

Lynn and Jacy, enjoying the sunshine.

The gang getting ready to head out on a bike ride, 90 year-old Ells too!  

Snack time with Auntie Lynn.  

Elisa, Ann, Carter, and Tom....ready to hit the road!  

Ells, taking it easy and enjoying the last piece of his birthday cake.  

It was Ann's birthday the day after Ells.  Good thing we had enough cake for two nights.  

Roy and I played bean bags with Ben and Jenna, girls vs. boys.  If I remember right they beat us pretty BAD, and Jenna and I were even quite good (I thought).  Lucky!  We want a rematch!  

Campfire fun!  First s'mores of the season!  

Elisa and Carter, taking it easy.  

Ells was all smiles the whole time we were there.  So fun!  

Hudson relaxing on the porch with some good books.  

Ben and Jenna catching a game of cards during nap time.  

A family picture (minus Lynn and Jacy who had already left) in front of our cabin before we all headed for home.  

"Being at Honey Creek is so much fun!"  

  

The two little "Swingers"....swinging!  

Fun with the big boys at the park.  

My new favorite picture of Hudson!  Love this little guy!

Clara warmed up to Uncle Roy pretty easily.  What is there not to love?!  

We did a Nature Hike with Hudson around the playground, on the lookout for interesting things.  

More to come...

90th Birthday Party

June 5-7 we headed to Honey Creek Resort to spend time with Roy's side of the family.  Our reason to for celebrating...Grandpa Ells 90th birthday!  We took lots of pictures so I'm going to do a few different posts.  The ones below are from the BBQ Birthday Bash on Wednesday night at the pavilion.  There were people represented from many states and his entire immediate family was there, which proved to be a great testimony to Ells and the blessing that he is to so many.  We are grateful for the opportunity to gather, reflect, share, encourage, and celebrate 90 years!  Quite a milestone!     

Benjamin, Zachery & Oliver

The "grill masters"...Jon & Josh

Ells with two of the Vadis nephews

Ells & Lynn

Oliver, Olivia & Amy

The birthday boy, enjoying his dinner.  

Hudson, enjoying his dinner.  

Uncle Jacy looking at books with Clara.  

Bethany, Bridget & Ann

Bob & Melva's family...the first time all together!  

Ells with his 3 children...Tom, Sue & Bob.

It was a cool night but the pavilion was a perfect location.  

Hudson enjoyed drawing Happy Birthday pictures for GG Ells with sidewalk chalk.  

GG Ells with his youngest great granddaughter.  

The whole gang!  

Ells posing with his birthday cake.  It included pictures of a few of his favorite things...biking, camping, fishing, and even a light pole (he worked for Iowa Power for many years).  

A family picture with Ells.  We love you, Ells, and thank God for the gift of you!