Summer Recap Six: Washington D.C.

In all 10 years of traveling the US we had somehow always missed Washington, D.C. This September while we were traveling around Pennsylvania we had a day off between bookings. My friend, Mardel and her foster daughter Robin were in PA with us so we got adventurous and decided to drive the 2 hours to D.C. We were very thankful we made that spur of the moment decision!

The capital of the United States of America



Baby Robin loved her perch on Sterling's shoulders.

Four siblings in front of the White House

Mardel, Bristol, Havilah, Avery, Sterling & Robin in front of the Nation's Capitol (Robin wasn't as excited about the monument as the rest of us!)



Bristol "touching" the Washington Monument. We were told that at the top of this monument on the inside there is Scripture engraved all the way around. We have a wonderful heritage!



The Lincoln Memorial--Sterling, Havilah and Bristol's favorite monument




Many things have changed in our nation lately, and there has been talk of insecurities and fear surrounding the leadership and decisions. While experiencing the history of Washington D.C. I couldn't help but remember the godliness that runs deep through our country. Even though times may be shaky, I am so glad I can fully trust in the sovereignty and control of God and agree with the Psalmist when he says:


"O LORD, you know all about this..."
Psalm 35:22

Two Averys

There's something very special about sharing a name with someone. When that someone is a sweet, cuddly baby girl it's even more extraordinary!

Avery Elissa Hitch & Avery Marie Weems

Oh My....

...can it be true?



Grandma Rains is eighty-two!

There's nothing better than a warm, southern day...

...except...



...a warm, southern day...

...and...

...a...

...clean Kenna!

Summer Recap Five: Pajama Party

We bought matching pajamas...

...and wore them all together...



...and posed for the camera...



...and felt like a trio...

...and Mom kept snapping pictures...

...and it made us laugh.

Summer Recap Four: Birthday

My 24th birthday was a treat this year, as I got to spend it with Mom, Havilah and Lacey out at Lacey's house. They planned a tanking trip down the river near Mullen, which proved to be a lot of fun! We rode in a huge stock tank all the way down the river and enjoyed chatting, splashing and occasionally jumping in the freezing water.

Lacey made an Snickers ice cream pie complete with 24 candles!

It was a wonderful day full of lasting memories!

Summer Recap Three: Calamus Camping

Some of my best summer memories growing up center around our annual Vagts family reunion. Mom's parents, three siblings and their families pack the camping gear and we all meet in the central part of the state to camp for an entire week. This year was no exception as we all met at the Calamus State Recreation Area to swim, boat, intertube, ride bikes, play games, build campfires and eat lots of food!

Scattergories was the favorite game this year.



Pancakes enough for everyone!



Uncle Dale and Aunt Sue

Lacey and Brandon braved two rain storms in a tiny pup-tent.



We girls got creative doing hairstyles one afternoon. Everyone had to take turns styling and no one could do the same style.

Waiting to get all fixed up.

Brittany starting on Madison.



Madison's braids with a clip.

Brittany's completed style.



Mine...with lots of hair bands! We were searching high and low to find enough accessories for everyone.

Sarah's Dutch twists.




Lacey's crown...Havilah did this one and out-styled us all!



All the hair-dos!

L-R: Bristol, Brittany (Nick's girlfriend), Havilah, cousin Sarah and cousin Madison.



One of the highlights of this year was the hammock Brandon and Lacey brought. Cousin Stephanie, Havilah and I found it took more than talent to all get in it at once...



...there was much laughter involved...



....two or three (okay, five or ten) wholehearted tries...



....and finally SUCCESS!

"The family. We were a strange little band of characters trudging through life sharing diseases and toothpaste, coveting one another's desserts, hiding shampoo, borrowing money, locking each other out of our rooms, inflicting pain and kissing to heal it in the same instant, loving, laughing, defending, and trying to figure out the common thread that bound us all together." ~Erma Bombeck