For the 4th, we traveled three hours to Van Buren, Arkansas to visit Cody's brother, Travis, and his family. Travis, his wife, Missy, and their two kids, Lexi, almost 13, and Kade, 5 this month, just relocated about a week ago to Van Buren from Pine Bluff where they plan to open a medical practice. They found a pretty awesome patch of land (20 acres) and a sweet house with a pool on Craig's List. It is a beautiful place - gorgeously landscaped, in the country with no one around. I am completely sold. Get me out of town! (within reason - I'd still like to be 20 minutes from a Wal-Mart *wink)
It sprinkled on and off all day, but that didn't keep us from enjoying the pool. Noah spent time being tossed in the air by Daddy. They really worked hard on their pool tricks when Daddy wasn't busy doing cannon balls with Uncle Travis! Noah started mimicking counting, too. Before he was tossed in the air, Cody or Travis (whoever had him) would count to three then on three toss him up out of the water. It's so cute to hear him count. Not really "One, Two, Three", more like "Un, Un, Un". We stuffed ourselves with hamburgers, hot dogs and homemade ice cream! Once it was time for the fireworks, the storm really moved in. No fireworks for us as it rained buckets (literally). We sat on the porch enjoying family conversation and the smell of a down pour! Noah LOVED the rock waterfall. He kept sticking his face in it getting a drink with Daddy. It's a salt water pool, but that didn't stop him!!
Noah spent a lot of time in the pool in his floaty car that he got from his buddy, Ty, for his birthday in March. This present really came in handy this weekend! And as a result, Noah now has added "car" to his vocabulary. It sounds more like "caw". Cody's oldest brother, Dwayne, his wife, Celeste and their daughter, Shelby (who will be a senior in high school this year!!) also made the trip over for the day. Cody's parents, Linda and Gene, and sister, Sundy (who flew in from New York) were there. And Missy's parents, brother and aunt also. It made for a VERY full house. Noah was awesome apart from his lack of sleep with all the noise, excitment and stimulation! He just wanted to play with Cousin Kade and be in that pool!! Kade even got some driving time in Noah's car!
Papa Gene with his two grandsons. Too cute.
Gorgeous Cousin Lexi was quite the water bug doing flips in the deep end. She spent time out of the pool playing with Noah. It was sweet watching my almost-teenage niece care of her little cousin. She is growing up quickly.
Cody with his brothers, Travis (left) and Dwayne (right). Handsome men, huh?
Noah desperately wanted to do everything Kade did. Kade was very patient with Noah. He called him "Little Guy" the whole weekend. They played catch together, they swam together, they read together, they ate together. It was sweet to watch. I think they will grow to be good buddies. We are so thankful they have moved closer. We hope to see them more often.
When Noah wasn't in the pool, he was playing in a random box or driving Cousin Kade's car. He had a great weekend. We can't wait to do it again!
