Swimming like fish

Yesterday we had our annual Fourth of July party at Randy and Judy's house.  Our kids look forward to it every year and often ask when we are going back.  We usually go up in the late afternoon and stay late to see the fireworks show that is put on by the HOA of the area.  Judy always has fun things for the kids to do (besides swim) and they have a blast.  We eat a yummy dinner, light off fire works, ride on the pontoon and then watch the fireworks show.  This year Carter spent the entire time in the water, except to eat and ride on the boat.  Once it started getting dark the kids got kicked out of the lake.  Carter and the triplets loved this big lily pad they had out in the water that they could climb up on and jump off.  This kept them entertained for hours.  Camden and Callan played in the water for a while but then wanted to go up and play in the sand and on the swing set. The best part of the night was watching our little Carter fall in love.  That's right, our baby grew up right before our eyes.  There were some teenage girls (eight graders) that were loving on all the little boys and were giving them a ton of attention.  Carter ate it up and ended up playing with them all evening.  They were spiking his hair and throwing him in the water and he just had a big grin on his face the whole time.  Then he couldn't wait till after dinner when he could get back in the water with them.  During dinner he asked where the girls were sitting and if they were going to be back in the water after dinner.  The girls were so sweet to the kids and they had such a great time.  He has been talking about the girls all day today.  They totally made his day.  Here are some pictures of the great time we all had.

jumping off the lily pad

Carter flirting with the girls

the girls loving on Carter

Camden with Curt (Curt was helping him throw poppers at grandma)

this little one was popping the poppers in his hand

it was really hot

getting ready for the fire works

a ride in the golf cart with Judy

Camden driving the boat

boat ride

hangin out

Callan and Judy

watching the lanterns (my lens was fogging over from the humidity)

We also got a glimpse of how wonderful our future will be soon because Carter was very independent at this gathering.  He swam on his own and was really able to just follow the older kids examples.  He asked for things when he was suppose to and we really didn't have to worry about him.  I think he enjoyed his freedom and he really impressed us.  We can't thank Randy and Judy enough for letting us come out there every year. It is a wonderful tradition that the kids really look forward too.  I also can't thank the "girls" enough either.  They were so sweet to the boys and made the day so much fun for them.  The kids didn't get to bed until about midnight which made for good naps today and kids that were a bit cranky and over tired but all worth it.  Here is a video of the kids swimming....

Thanks again Randy and Judy!  We had a great time!