Fourth of July at The Frio River

As per our family tradition, we spent the 4th of July at The Frio River with my Mom's (KK) side of the family.  Incidentally my Mom was there the week before, but we had fun with my Uncles, Aunts, and cousins, and of course my 93 year old Grandpa.  We drove down on the 4th and after 8 hours in the car, we made it.  We got there just in time to throw some rocks in the river and then watch a great fireworks show put on by my Uncles.

My Uncle Kevin found this great dump truck in Grandpa's shed and let's just say that it came home with us.  Kelson loved filling it up with rocks and then dumping them out.

Parker trying out throwing rocks

Time for splashing.  Parker didn't like the cold water at first, but he quickly got over it.  

Parker and my cousin, Ann Marie.  Hard to believe that she will be a senior in high school this year.  She was our junior bridesmaid in our wedding.  She's so grown up now.  It was nice to have her there and help with the boys.  It's funny how life comes full circle...I used to have to watch her and my younger cousins at the Frio and now she's watching my kids.

Kelson had left this Buzz Lightyear toy at the Frio when we came at spring break...lets just say he carried him around everywhere...even to bed.

We went to see my "uncle" Tommy and Julie at their ranch on the Guadalupe for a few hours. Kelson had fun throwing golf balls and of course playing with the singing deer...

When you talk in the microphone, the deer talks and moves...he loved it.

Parker having fun on the saddle

Of course we had to see all of their Longhorns

back to the Frio

This is Kelson with my cousin Kyle.  Kelson literally followed Kyle around all week.  He would come up to us "where'd Kyle go?!?".  

This is our "camp director" - my Aunt Sherry.  She is always trying to give me the job...but we keep telling her that she can't retire.  Aunt Sherry is in charge of food, sleeping arrangements, activities, and just general fun.

On our way to the parade and we saw a camper on fire.  It was interesting as it was at the gas station...

Kelson family ready to watch the parade

This is always my favorite "float".  They are the lawn chair brigade...it's awesome.  They march down the street and do a routine with their lawn chairs.

More river fun

Deer off the back porch

Disc golf and horse shoes time

Some folks had already left...and Doug is taking the picture...but we always take a family picture on the porch

Grandpa is trying to hide the fact that he still has his pj's on...I say if you are 93 you can do what you want...

It was weird and sad to celebrate the 4th of July without my Grandma.  This was the first one since she passed.  I missed her fireworks tshirts, but I know she was smiling down on us.  I hope that my kids get to grow up going to the Frio like I did.  Just doesn't seem like a Texas summer if you don't spend it floating the river, throwing rocks, lighting fireworks, riding the 4 wheeler, going off the rope swing, and driving around looking for deer.