Independence Day (Weekend)

Before the weekend even began, we started the party early with James's friends because Dave and Donny were in town for a short time.  What do they do when everyone is in town?  Pool ball, of course!  It just never gets old.  Each time we get together now, more kids are added to the group.  Dave and Mel had their first - little Sophie - and she's a doll.  She joined the other two new girls in the group, Makenna and Sienna.  Baby boy Grayson won't mind being surrounded by all these girls some day!  Here are the guys, minus Ben, who was at another family event. 

James had July 4th off, and he was lucky enough to get Friday off as well.  Off to Beaumont we went!  It was Grayson's first long car ride, and he did awesome on the way there.  Matt came along with us, and we enjoyed chatting the whole time -- it's hard to find time to just sit and chat otherwise because there's usually so much going on.  Kylene and kids and Angie and Dane were already at my parents', and Nat came later that night.  I LOVE that we're all close enough to drive for a quick weekend!  We were greeted with a classic flag cake (cookie cake this time) and delicious American food.  Mom must have made the most mac-n-cheese I've ever seen.  "I only quadrupled the recipe - just 8 cups of pasta!" haha  Our family is getting to be quite large, but still, I think sometimes she thinks she's feeding a literal army.  She doesn't want anyone to go hungry!  And we don't!  Thanks, Mom, for always taking care of us.. and then some.  =)

Happy 4th!

 

Forrest and Grayson having a staring contest.  I love that these boys have each other!

 

Grandma and Grayson

 

Mom got G this hilarious get-up 

 

Kid table

 Family fun at the pool

 3 terrific toddlers  =)  (Faith, Hazel, and Ty)

 

Matchy matchy swimwear- thanks to Aunt Nat!

 Uncle James is so fun!

 Palmer pile-up

 Bella LOVES the babies!

I love this one of Grandpa and Grayson.  He may look a little like his Grandpa actually since my family says Grayson is a Christie boy, and I look a lot like my dad!

 

We celebrated Miles's 2nd birthday while we were there, and it was so fun!  We had Cars stuff everywhere, and Miles was in heaven.  Dad, Ang, and Kylene made this awesome "cake".

 At one point, we were in the kitchen, and we noticed the original Hayes family was all in there at the same time.  James snapped a photo for us, even though some protested...

I just love these people.  We're all so different, but we love each other so much!  It was a great weekend with this bunch.