Summer Trip Home

Our summer trip home was a bittersweet one. It started with a fantastic time visiting with the McDowell side of the family. We played miniature golf, cards, and shot off a TON of fireworks. The kids had fun exploring and getting dirty on the farm! I am so thankful we were able to make the trip and see everyone. I want the boys to know all sides of their family and appreciate spending time with their loved ones, even if it is only for a brief time. Next we enjoyed a visit with Tim and Dodie, where the boys enjoyed seeing their cousin Mason. And then we made a short trip over to Jason's grandmother in Luray. She had been wanting us to visit, so we wanted to make sure we fit Luray into our jam-packed schedule. We had a wonderful time visiting  and playing cards. Carson especially enjoyed receiving a few early birthday presents from Great-Grandma and Great-Aunt Lynn. Lastly, we visited my family, which ended up experiencing two losses while we were there. I truly believe God wanted us to be there at that moment, and I was so glad the boys and I could be there for my family.. We spent a lot of time just being there for each other, but we also spent some time fishing at the lake. There is something so peaceful about spending time down by the lake on the evenings with loved ones. We also made a visit to Cowtown and had cupcakes for Carson's upcoming birthday. Then, it was time for us to head home, although my heart really wanted us to stay longer. Jason took off for Kansas City, where he would stay for the next month, while I drove the boys back to Arizona and got Carson ready for his first day of school. I wish we could visit our loved ones more often, but when we do visit, we appreciate every minute of it.

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Owen loves his cousin, Oliver, and continues to ask me if Oliver will be there when we go places. :)

Us with Grandma and Grandpa McDowell - photo courtesy of Beverly Walker

Gammy with the boys - photo courtesy of Beverly Walker



 

Owen caught his first fish! And Carson was casting all by himself by the end of our trip. So proud of them!

I had to show the boys how it's done at Cowtown! :)

Before our long haul back to Arizona! The boys were amazing for me during our 15-hour trek home, which did not surprise me - they are awesome little travelers, as you can see below.