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It's been five years since my parents started the tradition of gathering and hosting our ever-growing family over the Fourth of July. When I think back to the first outing in Geneva, my parents had only met David once—maybe twice—before I boldly invited him to come with the fam. That must have been one enlightening trip for everyone.
Anyway, this year we tallied 17: 10 adults and seven kids (9 months to 9 years). It was, as always, a boisterous and memorable occasion. The time went too fast, including my opportunities to hang out with my family and relive all our glory days.
I noticed a great deal of changes this year. The big kids are bigger! They need less supervision, and I watched (perhaps a bit enviously) as my sister and sister-in-law both laid out on the beach while their boys built sand castles. I, meanwhile, capped that morning at the beach by carrying my 36ish-pound toddler back to the hotel while "poop juice" ran out of his swimmy diaper and down his legs...and ultimately all over me. Ick.
I also noticed how my brother's life has done a 180. Last year Jeff was a newlywed, and this year he and Emily were loving all over their gorgeous little one, McCamey. In fact, he even skipped out on both rounds of golf the men played. I tell you, my brother is obviously quite smitten with both his little ladies. To that I say, BRAVO!
But let's not dawdle. It's time to hand out the annual awards (which, as usual, will be rather lopsided so I can show off my favorite Noah pictures and are limited by my picture-taking).
Mom & dad. This year they put us all up in the beautiful Maumee Bay lodge, and they bought the whole gang some surprises (more on that later). Plus, they came up a day early to visit with my family & Jen's family, who were eeking out a little extra vacation time.
Noah loved the nautical kiddie play area in Maumee's lodge and couldn't get enough of letting the water lap his feet by the lake.
Jen, Chris, Andrew, Brendan, Evan: The Doucettes spent several days camping around Kentucky and Ohio before settling into the Maumee Bay lodge. We met up with them a night early, and Noah loved his first tent experience. Of course, we stayed at the lodge that night. Slackers.
Evan has to take the cake on this one. He was ever so eager for Noah to join him at the campground playground (for Noah's first ride on a non-baby swing too!), and then later in the trip he wiped out on the lodge's playground, adding yet another bump/bruise combo to his injury list.
...goes to David. Not only did forage for firewood each time the pile looked remotely low, but he also beat this large bramch down to a usable hunk or two. Stud.
Has to be Camers. Just look at her with Auntie Jen and her da-da. Now come on, I didn't forget Noah. He's the cutest toddler, of course.
The big kids. My mom bought a round of kites for all, and they took to the challenge with relish. Matthew even flew Noah's Elmo kite since he was far too busy to stand still.
Noah, on his first bike! Uncle Tim brought his boys' old trike for Noah, and our little man pedaled it everywhere he could. (P.S.: this award also makes Auntie Ni and Uncle Tim among the front-runners for coolest aunt & uncle in Noah's eyes.)
David & Tim. These fools did a shoulder mount & tree climb just to save a $1 kite. I can't decide if they're dedicated or just plain silly.
My mom & dad went all out this year and had t-shirts made that said "Compan Family 4th of July." We all wore them to dinner one night, and we looked good!
Andrew, Brendan, Matthew, Adam, Evan. The guys played catch left and right. Reminded me of playing pickle back in the day...
Evs wins because it couldn't possibly be Noah. He became part of the annual sparkler burn statitics this year. Safe to say he won't feel sparkly for a while, even though this pre-burn shot is pretty darn cute.
The whole crew! Nearly all of us went on a walk through Maumee's lengthy boardwalk Sunday morning. We wound our way through a few miles of marsh and grass, snagging a few animal shots here and there.It was a fantastic trip. Thanks to mom & dad, who foot the bill and bring us all together each year. Much, much love to you for everything you do to celebrate our amazing family!
And because I can't leave these out, here are some of my other favorite pictures:
2 comments:
Love the pictures! THanks for sharing the annual awards.
Sounds like an amazing vacation and what great parents to foot the bill for everything.
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