Relaxing at the River

Well, apparently summer vacation has come and gone.  I can tell because my house is quiet right now.  Three at school and a baby napping.  We had a great summer and I will share as much as I can with you here, it just may take awhile.  Hopefully I'll be caught up before Christmas.

Our gorgeous morning view from the deck

We spent Labor Day weekend relaxing at the river for our third trip there this year.  We escaped Tropical Storm Isaac that dumped 4+ inches of rain at our house over three days and enjoyed a long four day weekend free from rain.  My mom and dad weren't there, it was odd being at the river without them.  My dad shredded his Achilles tendon in his right leg about three weeks ago and had surgery on it last Thursday (Aug. 30) so he wasn't up for the trip.  He has 8 -12 weeks on crutches before he can start rehab.  He cannot put any weight on his leg so that the tendon can literally grow back together.  Keep him in your prayers please for complete healing and for Mom as she takes care of him.

A stack of Swayne kids.
(They use the ladder to launch themselves onto the bag swing).  

Anywho, Mom and Dad encouraged us to stick with our original plan so we headed over late Thursday night.  My sister Jalene and cousin Henry arrived on Friday evening.  Her husband Joe stayed home in case Mom and Dad needed anything over the weekend.  It was a treat having one on one time with Jalene and Henry enjoyed playing with all his cousins.  There were no boat rides (bummer!) but we kept ourselves occupied playing outside, taking naps, going out for breakfast, going to the apple orchard and eating at the annual pork roast in town on Sunday.  One thing I love about the river is there is no TV and the kids don't even notice it.

Henry, Andy and George.  The neighbors figured out how to get rid off a box they didn't need.

Andy taking aim at Mommy.  Look out!  The little girl is a friend from next door.   (Do you see Mary over on the blanket?)

Here's Mary on the blanket, ready to crawl and start eating the leaves.  She is tricky right now to have outside.

"Can you see my two teeth?",  asks Mary.

Mary went for her first ever swing ride and loved it.  She giggled and giggled when Andy pushed her. 

The tractor rides must go on.  Joe had to fill in for Papaw.  Henry and Andy in the wagon.

Henry and Andy hanging out.  I wonder what they were talking about.

Henry showing Mary how to play with trucks. 

A tractor ride with a new driver and more passengers.  Zack driving, Andy, Henry and George in the wagon. 

Andy helped me make brownies to take with us.

Mary on the Mary mat.

Mary says, "I'm outta' here."

My river rats, Zack, George and Andy.  They were catching toads.  We had lots of beach this time, the river was really low.