The 4th...Fun, Friends, Family and Fireworks

In 2006, so 9 years ago, our 4th of July tradition began.  

The twins were born, but other than that no babies were in the mix.

Fast forward to this year, 2015, 

a lot is still the same.

Our friendship continues to be so special.

Each of these girls were bridesmaids in my wedding.

Some things are the same,

but a BIG change since 2006 is...

we have MULTIPLIED! 

A total of 15 kids now call us Mom.

It melts our hearts when we see our kids 

bonding with each others kids.

We pray our kiddos will have Godly, dear friendships forever,

just as we have been blessed with.

The Fourth of July never disappoints. 

It is just wonderful, family fun!

Jed and Austin 

 My cousin Luke and his adorable family

 My brother and his wonderful family

 One of the silliest boys I know.  :)

 Auntie Blair with her favorite niece and nephews

 Our family of 5!

 Dad's club

 See...I told you he is super silly.  

I said give me a pose and this is what I get. HA!

 Jesse and Jed

 Blake and Austin

 Dinner time!

 Cousin time!

 My favorite three fireworks.  :)

Our favorite 4th of July crew...

Thanksgiving in Maui

For Thanksgiving this year, we got to enjoy some wonderful, family fun in Maui.  

We arrived!!

 First thing the kids wanted to do…

put those swimsuits on!!

 Blake's sister and my cousin!  They are the best aunties!  An added bonus is they have been roommates for almost two years!  I love it when both sides of our families come together!

This was my cousin's first time to Hawaii!  

It was so much fun to have her along for the trip.

 We found matching shorts for Austin and Blake!  

Of course we had to buy them!

 Shopping at Whaler's Village

 Snow cones!!

One of their favorite parts of their day!

 Blake, his brother, my cousin and Blakes sister watching basketball at the Maui Invitational.

 Off to dinner and a magic show!

We highly recommend Warren and Annabelle's!!

At dinner…just the adults!

 Uncle Brad and Aubrey Rose

 Austin with a silly visor with hair

 Championship game of the Maui Invitational

 A little mini golf love!  :)

 I won't be able to do this much longer!

For Thanksgiving night we coordinated our clothes

and took some family photos down on the beach.

Then, we had turkey, mashed potatoes, and all the fixings upstairs in the condo.

Little dance party after dinner

while we cleaned up the kitchen

 And we ended Thanksgiving night with a couple of intense games of Sequence!!

Our last full day we spent swimming and then a luau in the evening.

We got plenty of compliments on our attire.  :) 

Hey, when the store has one in each of our sizes, 

even the kids…why not?!!  

It makes for some wonderful photos!

Thank you Big Papa and Mimi for such a wonderful trip.

We have such wonderful memories and pictures to remember forever!