We had a great time visiting with Collin’s family at his parent’s farm in Missouri last week. It was FREEZING and both kids were sick for the majority of the trip, but we loved catching up with everyone and meeting our newest little niece, Baby Camille!
The night before we left, Collin and I went to bed right after the kids did, at 8:00. Then we woke up at 3am and were on the road by 3:30. We were in Knoxville by 8:30am! We had plans to stop somewhere for the night, but the kids were doing really well and we were making great time, so we drove the whole way. We pulled into the “Lazy B” (Collin’s parents farm) around 7:30pm. We were exhausted, but so glad to be there.
The next day, Collin’s brother, Byron, his wife, Sara, and their two beautiful girls, Bella and Camille arrived. Bella walked right up to Mak, threw her arms around him in a big hug, and said “Hi, Me-Gill!” She knows him from the blog. I love that they can still “know” each other even though we are 900 miles away!
After a delicious dinner, we did what Mak had been waiting for since we first arrived…opened presents! Again, the kids were spoiled beyond belief. Thanks, Ma-Ma and Pa-Pa!
One of my sweet nieces, Bella
The first two presents that Clara Beth opened were baby dolls, and she was thrilled! But when she opened the third and it wasn’t a baby, she cried! This girl LOVES her babies! Here she is being jealous of her cousin’s babies.
And my other sweet niece, Camille
Mak was so happy with his new guitar!
And Clara Beth loved her princess set!
One of the best things about Ma-Ma and Pa-Pa’s farm is all of the animals. The kids weren’t well enough to spend much time outside, but we watched them through the windows each morning. It was so beautiful! We saw cows, horses, and wild turkeys. There was even a brand-new baby calf in the barn, but it was too cold to take the kids out there. Here’s a pic of Mak and Bella watching the turkeys one morning.
One of the nights we threw Makgill, Clara Beth, and Bella in the tub together. They had so much fun splashing around!
Clara Beth LOVES her new bath-time baby!
Pretty girl Bella
I LOVED getting snuggle-time in with my nieces. These baby girls are so sweet!
Ma-Ma snuggling Camille
Sara, Byron, and Camille
Bella and Mak had so much fun together. Collin caught this picture of them watching The Jungle Book (their favorite movie). Of course, as soon as Mak saw his Daddy with the camera he jumped up out of the chair.
Collin was able to do a little “Bits of Life” session with Camille. She’s beautiful!
Mak was so excited to be able to hold his baby cousin!
About 500 times a day, Mak would ask us when Jamie and Jake (his BOY cousins) would arrive. Finally, they came! The age ranges of the cousins is great…the three boys are all within 17 months of one another, and the girls are all within 17 months as well. It’s perfect!
A Hungry, Hungry Hippos Tournament
Jamie rippin’ into his present
Cowboy Jake! His hero right now is John Wayne. It’s great! He walks around quoting movies all the time.
Clara Beth received another baby. She LOVED it!
The Boys racing cars
More snuggles with Bella!
Joe makes a great trampoline!
Clara Beth INSISTED on wearing her boots with her jammies
Ma-Ma wanted an updated portrait of the grandkids, since the latest three aren’t even in the one she has. So she bought them all red sweaters, and we headed out to the back yard for a few minutes. After MUCH work, Collin was able to piece one together for her! Aren’t they cute?
And here’s the slideshow. We had a FANTASTIC week relaxing, eating delicious food, and enjoying the family that we don’t see nearly enough. Thanks for a PERFECT week, Byron and Mary! We love you and miss you already!
Looks like you all had fun! We’re glad you are home. It feels like we haven’t seen you in so long!
Soo glad you guys had a great trip but I am soo glad you are back home!! I can not imagine all the fun Makgill and Clara Beth had with their cousins- and all so close in age- very cool! I bet it was kid crazyness several days!!
I LOVE the portrait of the grandkids! So cute! I know Grandma will cherish it. I am so glad you all were able to spend some time with family so far away! But, we are sooooo glad you are back. We miss all four of you when your gone!!!
We had such a wonderful time. Bella has been asking about Me-Gill and Elizabeth 😉 (Clara Beth) since we’ve been back. I look forward to a long life of getting to know each other better as well as the children growing into a close extended family. The more we think about a once a year family vacation the more important and fun it sounds! I still can’t say enough about Collin’s talents! It’s really interesting for me to get to know Collin because in a way I feel like I’ve gotten to know Byron (a man of little words) better. They are both so smart, creative, handsome, wonderful husbands, and GREAT fathers. And, Aron, well you are super sweet, super cute and anyone would LOVE you as their mother. What a great family! We love you.
This is so cute… why the one pic of my butt…:D I miss the old days, so fun. Dad looks so different! And so do you Collin. Well hope to see you guys soon… BYE