Such a wonderful time to see our friends in the middle of such a crazy summer and then to top it off ... gather with family and spend a few days at the river is the icing on the cake. 4th of July is SO fun for the Habel family. This year was no exception. We had a great turn out for the parade, lots of friends decked in their red, white and blue came with their patriotic parade floats. Some familiar faces and some new additions this year. It is becoming such a fun tradition.
Charlie decided to step it up a notch this year with a motorized vehicle - he wanted to ride the truck in the parade, which made me a bit nervous at first but he proved to handle himself, and his ride pretty well! He chose his buddy Jack Sutherland for his co-pilot and this put me at ease since I'm not sure there is anything that can hurt Jack Sutherland! We decorated the truck and the house the night before and we were ready to party.
Miss Vivian Winn Price stole the show, she watched the parade from here mama's tummy last year on our front porch.
The Lurvey Family also joined us for the first time this year.
Gussy Boy Loves America
Meet Mr. Peter Chipman Rockenfield, my cousin Regan's newest addition.
At just 3 weeks old, he had to be the youngest to participate!
Love these neighbors and friends
Charlie and Jack... Ready to Roll!
We gathered back at the house for treats after the parade!
A HUGE thanks to all of our friends that make this day
so special to us!We LOVE LOVE LOVE hosting this fun event
and hope it continues to bring smiles to our faces for years to come!
In true Habel Family Style ... it was on to the next destination
THE RIVER
AAAAHHHHHH .... We're here!
For four days all is right in the world, my sisters are in Missouri, our cell phones are OFF, Charlie's wardrobe consists of swim trunks and water shoes, Grandpa is holding a fishing pole, Josh is in a kayak, my mom is conjuring up a new dessert in the kitchen and I'm swinging in the hammock!
After seeing the pictures of our holiday weekend from last year everyone jumped on board for 2013. My sisters flew/drove in. My Aunt and Uncle came from Sedalia, my cousin Whitney and her twins, Jack and Ava, came from Indiana. And Regan and JR joined us for the second year with Sweet Henry and Baby Pete. Our gathering was one for the books. We were thrilled to have everyone together and took advantage of cramming as much fun as we possibly could into three nights.
The pictures speak for themselves ...
This crew knows how to have a good time.
Charlie logged more hours on his kayak ... and added more stickers too!
The temp of that cool water running in the Current River can sneak up on ya!
Whitney the Tuber
Beach Taxi gone bad ... Aggie and Dad flipped!
The LOVE boat!
Dad had to hop on the only flotation device left ...
a pink fish from the dollar store
Here's to hoping these cousins grow up
as close as the generations before them.
The grill masters
Josh and JR kept everyone well fed all weekend!
Lot's of grandpa play time before dinner each night!
Peter and his Mimi
Love this crew ... more than words could express
Campfire Site - The art of toasting a marshmallow, this family has it down pat.
The cabin. Hard to believe there have been 10 years of wonderful family memories made here.
My mom and dad have plans for a deck addition right off the screen porch.
When Charlie first saw Peter he said ...
"Mom, he has baby legs ... he has baby hands ... and he has baby feet ... that baby has baby everything!"
River dogs relaxing
It's all about the equipment, and this fisherman's got it.
These two ... no words.
Ava and "Mr. T" - they became quite close over the weekend.
Big City Girl can still man a mini kayak ... well, sort of.
wrong way
stalled a bit
This one has become quite the angler this summer.
He and grandpa pour over fishing picture books and discuss all things lures and bait until you wouldn't think there is anything else to discuss. I'm convinced all my father's dreams have come true. Finally a protege to mold into the fishing partner he has always longed for.
Another successful Armstrong Family 4th of July Holiday at the river!
