4th of July Weekend

Holy Cow!  I just realized it's been like 2 weeks since I last posted!  I guess that is a good indication as to how this past few weeks have been around here.  We've had visitors galore, then a wonderful long holiday weekend, then a short work week that threw yours truly a few big curve balls, and then this past weekend we went out of town.  PHEW.

So anyways, let's catch up some.  My brother & his wife Erin booked a last minute trip to visit us for the first half of the 4th weekend.  It was the first time they've come out since before Tristan & I moved to SD (minus our wedding), and we had a great time.  It was also the first time they've seen Mason since October!  I think he's a little different hehe. 

Mason took to them immediately.  Brandon took a ton of photos on his phone, and I'm anxiously awaiting their arrival.  I'll post them once I have them.

On Saturday, we headed to the beach house for the day with Grace & Addison.  My child, who NEVER watches TV except for these, has apparently learned to turn on not only our personal TV, but the one at the beach house.  By himself!  This face is exactly why we never have it on.  Close your mouth or you'll catch some flies!!

Cousin Grace spent the entire day walking around with him, she is SUCH a good cousin :)

Nice view, huh?

With Uncle Brandon & Aunt Erin

On Sunday, Tristan's Uncle Ladd & Aunt Maria hosted a BBQ for the family, since their daughter Carrie was in town visiting from Atlanta. 

Another gorgeous view!  Can't see it here, but the ocean is wayyy in the background.

On the 4th, we got some special visitors.  One of my sorority sisters, Tracie, was down visiting, which sparked a mini-Chi O reunion!  Tracie's little lady, Savannah, is 9 months old and oh-so-adorable!!  She & Mason hit it off pretty quickly.

Check it out, already got her hand on his knee!

Mason getting nice and comfy with Tracie.

Susan brought Anabelle as well!  Here's our little reunion group, just the girls though, Mason was down for a nap before we thought to take a picture, bummer!  Such a great morning catching up with old friends.

After our visitors left, the thee of us hopped on our bikes and headed over to the local 4th of July parade.  Mason had a blast!  We walked around for a bit and then when the parade started, hopped on our bikes and rode along side - he loved all the high school bands and people waving! 

Please note the CORNER of Tristan's finger that Mason is holding onto in this next pic.  This is ALL the help he "needs" to walk...apparently our little chicken thinks that little finger is holding him up.  We are soooo ready for him to let go...but apparently he's on his own time :)  And in the meantime, look at this face!



All in all, a great holiday weekend with the family!