Sick Boy = Plan B

In the end of July, we had another family vacation planned. We had a booked a cabin at a nearby campground to explore the surrounding State Park and enjoy some family time hiking, fishing and swimming at the lake. However, on Monday morning my boy woke up with a fever of 103F and there was no way, we could take him out camping with that kind of temperature (he is my child that spikes fevers that lasts typically up to 5 days). Thus, we had to cancel our reservation and come up with a back-up plan. While Elliot was recovering at home (Derrick felt a bit sick by Tuesday too), I went to work on Tuesday and Wednesday. Amelia and I got to hang out at the pool that afternoon and we enjoyed our girls' time together. I'm trying to teach her the art of relaxing...lets just say it will be a longer process. 

Luckily by Wednesday morning, Elliot felt much better and both children were able to enjoy some front porch time while it was still cool in the morning:

Picnic on the porch:

 My little hairdresser is feeling better :)

Derrick took the children fishing one morning and they both hooked a fish. This was Amelia's first catch: 

They did try another time last week but were unsuccessful then. Despite coming home empty handed, they love spending time with their Daddy:

On Thursday, we spend 4 hours all together at our hidden gem of a beach at Percy Priest Lake in Nashville. The weather and water were perfect and it was not crowded at all, so that we found a perfect spot to sit and relax while the children frolicked in the water. 

Some R & R for the adults:

But we also had fun in the water with the kids: 

Luckily, everyone recovered fairly quickly so that we could still attend the surprise birthday party for my friend on Saturday. I helped with the set-up and decorations and my friend, Lisa, was very much surprised when she arrived at her party. It was a lovely evening and a joy to have helped put a smile on her face.

 Lisa and I:

 Diana, Lisa, Lena and I:

The children also had a blast with a water slide and then decided to play in the cut grass: 

By the end of the day, I was definitely exhausted and tired as I ran a 4 mile race that same morning. I finished 1st in my age group with a personal best time of 31:51 minutes. 

On Sunday, we relaxed (rested those legs) and played some games: 

Even though our week of vacation did not turn out the way we had it planned, we still made the best of it and enjoyed time together. Sometimes, plans don't work out but that is okay as Plan B is often a great alternative. One more week of summer and then it is back to school. 

The Summer of Birthday Parties

Over the last couple of months, the children and I were invited to quite a few birthday parties. We are thankful for our friends and happy to have celebrated their special days with them. From a Tea Room Party to a sports-themed event, a Splash Bash, a Play House Party and one at Chuck E. Cheese, there was definitely a party everyone loved. 

It all started off with a surprise Tea Room Party for Sonya, my friend. She is the only woman in her household and wanted to treat herself to some girls' fun on her special day. Thus, she invited some friends for a Tea Room get-together on her porch. The decorations were very whimsical and cute and one felt like being in England for some High Tea. 

 The birthday girl: Sonya!

Next up was a sports-themed birthday party for Kellan, Amelia's friend and classmate. The first hour of the party was spent playing several different ball games in the gym. 

The birthday boy and his friends:

Happy birthday, Kellan!

Then it was Everly's turn to celebrate her 4th birthday with a party just for girls. The theme of the party was adorable and so fitting: Play House. Her mom, my friend Emily, came up with the creative idea to incorporate the table as an indoor play house and  made this cute tablecloth: 

The real (outdoor) play house the birthday girl got for her birthday. Her parents painted and decorated it to match the big house. So pretty and perfect for the little girls:

And then it was a first for most of the girls, including Amelia: a slip and slide.

Lots of fun as the squeaking shows:

Singing Happy Birthday to Everly:

It was such a sweet party and the girls were adorable! A week later, the next birthday party was a Splash Bash in our neighborhood for Amelia's school friend, Avery. She turned 6 and celebrated by cooling off in the backyard on a very hot and humid day. 

Amelia discovered Volleyball, which I played when I was in high school. She spent most of the afternoon practicing with another guest and they both looked pretty good. 

Happy 6th birthday, Avery!

 The party ended with a treasure hunt and a chest full of goodies:

And last but not least, this last Saturday Malcolm celebrated his 6th birthday with a party at Chuck E. Cheese. Both children love this crazy and loud place and enjoyed the games very much. 

Elliot's favorite: The motorcycle race!

Chuck E. came out to sing Happy Birthday with the kids: 

 Amelia, Elliot and the birthday boy:

 Elliot, Malcolm, Amelia and Grace:

So many parties, so much fun! Now, the next birthday we will celebrate is my little girl turning 7 in August. While we won't do a big party, we do have some fun stuff planned with the family.