The Growing Caldwell Family

We spent the long July 4th weekend having a great time at the lake! Uncle Ronnie, Chris, and the girls came back on their way back to Baton Rouge and Ms. Janan joined us for dinner one night. We swam in the lake, let the kids try out the water ski trainer, and of course rode on the raft! It was nice having a few days to be there and really relax.  Something about riding on the boat makes Charlie and Livy go right to sleep! Nay was learning to drive the boat. We rode to the marina and the kids found ice cream! Being pulled on the raft continues to be a favorite! It really is fun! Even Livy wanted to try it out (going very slow), but she soon decided she preferred riding in the boat. We had a great July 4th relaxing at the lake! Lucy came this time and definitely loved being at the lake! Charlie made a fun sculpture using his flip flop, sunscreen, sunglasses, and maybe another item or two he found around. S

Charlie went to cooking camp and oh my, did he love it! He was with some of his teachers from preschool and knew a number of kids there and he had a ball! I was so happy for him! They made their own pizzas! They baked red velvet cupcakes! Made some fun crafts like decorating aprons and chef hats! He was so delighted with his hat that he wore it the whole way to the lake! He can't wait to go to this camp again next summer!

The kids thoroughly enjoy going to camp and asked to add another, so I found a camp called Broadway Bound for Sarah Graves. It is led by a local theater company and takes kids through the whole process of writing, choreographing, singing, doing props, etc. to put on a broadway style musical. Sarah Graves was hesitant at first, but fell in love! I am so proud of her for trying something new and making new friends everywhere she goes! The kids drew their own head shots! Their opening number was one of the songs from "Chorus Line"  They divided the kids into smaller groups to write a story that they would act out and Sarah Graves' group wrote a story about a princess who is kidnapped by an evil bunny and her friends come to save her. Sarah Graves played the role of Barbie who has lava power and can't be melted! It was fun to watch their creativity and see her style come out. 

The kids love birthdays and Daddy's was fun to celebrate! We started the day off going to church. Then, we went for yummy brunch at Copeland's! The kids were happy to help get ready for a little birthday celebration at home. Char helped make the cake. Daddy wanted carrot cake with cream cheese frosting-yum! Sissy helped make the punch! We had to have a few gifts and the kids were excited to wrap theirs themselves! We hope Daddy gets his wish! Venom dropped by to celebrate! Sissy picked a sweet card! Charlie had a super hero card for Daddy, of course! Pops explained to the kids about a "Hawaiian Punch!" I think Asron had a good day and felt loved!

Lovie had a vision of having a lake house - a place close enough for us to get there for the weekend; a place to enjoy fishing, boating, and swimming; and most importantly, a place for us to enjoy time together. It took a while to find and she and Pops have worked very hard to get it all setup, but we finally had a chance to go and we fell in love! Poor Char had the mishap of being stung by a wasp and boy did it hurt! He soon fell asleep right there on the boat. Once he woke up, he was feeling good and ready for fun! Livy was learning to drive the boat. Uncle Ronnie and Chris were visiting and had a chance to hang out with us. Mallory and her friend Lauren came too. (Sarah Graves loved hanging out with these big girls!) The most fun part was being pulled on the tube behind the boat! Everybody had a chance to try it out and loved it! Charlie and Sarah Graves are definitely hooked! The kids also love swimmin