McKinney Goes to County

McKinney, Daddy and I couldn't be more proud of you. You are a wonderful swimmer and that is how you earned a trip to the county championship this year. You placed 24th in the entire county in the 25 freestyle for your age group. So, we got up very early and headed down to the best college swim arena anywhere (GT) to watch you compete for your team!!

It was early, but you were excited!!

Here you are with the coaches listening to Coach Rick give you instructions before warming up.
You were a little nervous about getting in the water because Rebekah told you it was very cold, but you were still excited.

First time in...

Practicing breast stroke - nice form buddy!!

Taking a little break.

Finally finished warming up and you are ready and anxious to swim your heat.

We couldn't be on the pool deck during the actual event, but we snapped this picture from our seats as you were heading to the block for you turn.

And the results.....

4th in the overall heat and you beat your time setting a new personal record for yourself. We are so proud of you and can't wait to see how much you improve next year.

McKinney Family Gathering

This year the McKinney pool gathering was a little smaller. The Shoemaker's weren't here and neither were any of the Russell family. We were also missing Todd who was in Canada on a mission trip. However, we still had a ton of fun. I captured some great pictures of "The Great Hat Game" that you guys LOVE to play with Pop. Attempting to take his hat and keep it away from him keeps you guys busy for hours and wears Pop completely out!!!

I love this picture. Pop brought two hats today and he finally gave up and let McKinney and Braxton taste success. Too cute!!

Emma and Hollie were enjoying being pushed on the boogie boards.

McKinney - not sure why you find this to be so much fun, but you literally ride that tricycle around the pool for hours. It is so fun for you.

Sweet - I pray you girl cousins will always stick together. So far you are outnumbered by the boys!!

I love this picture of Amy with her girls and her niece.

Amy and Legare

Micah taking off down the slide.

Hollie - sweet.

McKinney and Emma - super sweet! And notice that McKinney has deer sausage in his hand. You pretty much always have deer sausage in your hand when you can get your hands on it! Love that!

Our Little Lake Accident

At the lake on Saturday (July 2nd) everyone was having a wonderful time. Daddy was tubing with you kids and all was enjoying a fun day. Until.....While adjusting on the tube Daddy bounced right on top of Rebekah's hand. Rebekah - your thumb immediately swelled up and you were in a lot of pain. So, we left the lake and headed home. After a quick visit to Urgent Care I have now experienced a broken bone on one of my children for the first time. You got your cast on Friday (July 8th) and you are doing great!!

Fourth of July Weekend

What a wonderful thing holiday's are for our family. There are always fun things to look forward to. This year we went to the lake for a few days before the 4th holiday. On Friday Lake Keowee was practically empty, so we enjoyed hanging out and swimming in the middle of the lake for a hour of more. You guys loved this. There were no boundaries - you could swim as far as your arms and legs could carry you, and you did!!

Although - not too big on tubing yourself Micah, you sure enjoyed watching Daddy, Rebekah and McKinney.

Mr. Lance let Micah drive the boat some too - we weren't sure where we were going to end up :)

Rebekah and McKinney - you both enjoyed knee boarding. I am not sure why I don't have a picture of you, McKinney - but here is a shot of Rebekah on her first try!!

After a long, fun day at the lake we went back to the house to get dinner ready. Mr. T (Carrie's Dad) entertained you three by taking you down to the water to fish. And we were all surprised when McKinney said "I think I have one". Next thing we knew, you were reeling in a large, pregnant catfish. McKinney, you were so surprised and proud of yourself - I was too!!

We came home from the lake on Saturday evening - after a small snafu in our plans (more on that in the next blog post). On Sunday we went to see fireworks with Pop.

On Monday morning we went into town for the Braselton Parade. It was short - which was good since it was sweltering outside!!

I love this picture. McKinney, you were showing the guys from Anytime Fitness your muscles and he looks pretty impressed!!

We enjoyed more fireworks on Monday night with the Segraves and the Elkins. It was a full weekend, but we enjoyed all the festivities that came along with the holiday.