The kids are back and if the last few days of activities while we were there are any indication of what the previous few weeks were like, oh did they have a great time.  They ate dinner outside almost every night and many nights with their cousins Ian and Colin.

They had full reign of equipment and rarely heard the word no.  The inside of Gramps's truck was a common hangout.

As was Grandpa's golf cart caddie.  Although I don't think the way they were using it was how it's supposed to be used.  Ashlyn also got to pick all the hydrangea's and flowers she wanted. 

A main staple of the summer was their daily visit to Aunt Linda's to swim every day.  But that's not all, they also got some type of ice cream treat every-single-day they swam.  They're going to go through major ice cream withdrawal over the next few days.

Afternoon showers prompted outdoor dance parties.

Followed by sparklers and fireworks.

Uncle Chris and Steven got creative with some of the explosive ones and miraculously didn't catch themselves on fire.  If you don't see the video below, click on the following link.  Misty Mountain fireworks - July 17

A few drinks were snuck in here and there.

The following morning we loaded into the car and went to a small fork in the Mills River. 

Ashlyn kept a close eye on Charlie.  Once they found the water it didn't take them long to begin to douse themselves with the cool water while the older two worked on catching minnows and chasing crawfish.  If you can't see the video below, click on the following link.  Mills River - July 17

 

We took a drive to Lake Lure where there's a nice beach and small water park.  Rode the water slides many times, played in the sand, and took the canoes out for a paddle.  Reghan and Ian were first up in mine.

One day we'll get them all to stand still long enough.

They completed their teepee and did a really solid job constructing it.

They still love the rides on the mule.

With a final lunch with GG before leaving.

Reghan took one last look out back before leaving for the airport. Then away we went.

It's hard to believe that the month has come and gone already.  They had the most amazing time and although they're happy to be home, they already miss everyone terribly and can't wait to see them again.