The kids and I dropped Jon off at the Roanoke airport on July 10. We were all dreading that moment. It was quite the emotional goodbye, but the kids and I were excited to be able to spend some more time at the lake since we only get to visit once a year. I really wanted the kids to be able to enjoy the lake as much as I did (and still do) growing up. It's so fun to watch them doing the same things I got to do and have just as much fun doing them! We also got to visit with some old friends during our three week stint without Daddy. My best friend from Fredericksburg, Gray and her two boys met us at the water park in Roanoke for an afternoon of fun. It was so good to catch up with her and watch the kids play. It was so nice of her to meet us there, especially since she is pregnant with her third! I had a chance to catch up with an old high school friend too. We met Dan in Roanoke for some grilled cheese and ice cream one afternoon. (Will was really impressed with all of the tatatoos on Dan's arm...yes, he calls them tatatoos).The best part of the visit was spending time with my parents and sister...just like old times. I don't have too many pics because Jon is usually the one taking pictures, but my sister was able to get lots of cute shots of Callie and the kids. Visit her blog mandamumbojumbo.blogspot.com to see all of the Brighton/Will/Callie interactions! I will be posting pictures of our second family vacation to Myrtle Beach soon, but that's a whole other blog posting!

The reason I get so homesick sometimes.

Jack and Will picked up where they left off--as if they hadn't been apart for two years. Thanks, Gray for hauling the boys (all 3 of them) all the way to Roanoke! We miss you!!!!

Brighton and Luke...sneaky snackers.

Papa teaching his little buddy the correct method for neighborhood watch aka spying.

Nana and Papa gave Will a new Mcqueen fishing pole and tackle box. He did quite a bit of fishing with Papa, and he had no trouble touching the fish, worms, and casting. He needs a little work hooking the fish though.

Nana gives the best wheelbarrow rides--she even gave Brighton's wheelbarrow a ride too!

Thanks Daddy for letting us stay at Nana and Papa's for a whole month!