first time camper

Every year the week for so after July 4th we take a big family camping trip. Coleto Creek Reservoir is our home away from home for four very hot sometimes rainy days. Camping here never disappoints and we always leave wanting to come back. No matter how hot, rainy or sticky it gets, memories are always made and cherished.  It's something Jarrod and I look forward to every year. This year was very different, to say the least... It was Lincoln's first year camping and our first real vacation with a baby. I think I was more stressed out then I needed to be, and everything turned out perfect. I had a great support system. Lincoln's grandparents, aunts, uncles and numerous cousins were all there to help and encourage me. I don't think I could have done it with out them. 

Sweet Lincoln was stuck to his grandma's hip. They love each other so much and are so sweet to watch. 

This little beauty is one of Linc's cousins, Addison another fellow premie.The first year she came camping she was maybe a month or two. I remember thinking how tiny and fragile she looked. I would have never guessed that I would get my own tiny fragile baby just a year and a half later. To look at her now you would have never guessed that she ever had an issue. The love just pours out of this sweet little girl.

I always find it amazing that Lincoln can sleep anywhere. To know that a baby loves and trusts you enough to fall asleep in your arms is very humbling. This is Lincoln's Great Aunt Wanda. She is by far one of the most amazing ladies I have ever met. Only nice things ever come out of her mouth. That is the sign of a pure and kind heart. 

Since he was seven, Blayne my nephew has been braving the out doors with us. I absolutely love that he even wants to spend time with us. Lincoln LOVES his cousin. I think this long weekend really solidified there bond, and they are going to be life long friends. I rue the day when Blayne is just "too cool" to go with us. Hopefully that is many many years from now.

spaghetti night was a hit

While we were there I took the opportunity to take Lincoln's 11 month pictures. With this beautiful back ground what could go wrong... right... He just about fought me the whole time and he hated the grass. So I did my best.

I should add that I am still nursing. This was not an easy task, but after awhile we got the hang of it, and I spent a lot of time just me and him. Usually with the same result me by myself and Lincoln asleep in my lap. 

Lincoln and his Uncle Grumpy making memories.

These three are going to whip Lincoln into shape. He does not stand a chance with his three beautiful cousins. I love that we get a front row seat to watching them grow up together. I hope that when they are grown they will bring their families camping and cherish the memories as much as we do.