alabama 2011

We returned late last night from our wonderful family vacation with my family.  Last year was our first year to meet up in Alabama (Scott, Holley, & kids from NC, mom & dad from Houston, Rick & us from Plano/Allen) and it was fantastic!  This year we rented a different house on the same lake, Smith Lake.  Ryan, Piper, & Luke shared a room with bunk beds while Sam had his own "loft" on the 3rd floor next to GG & Grumps' room and everyone else had their own room.  There was plenty of space for toys, clothes, naps, etc and the basement had a foosball table and pool table which everyone enjoyed playing!  Kent designed some awesome navy blue East Potter Alabama shirts for everyone (Mom & Dad designed last year's, and Holley) and the yearly t-shirts are a really fun addition to the week.  GG & Grumps even had fun plastic cups made that say East Potter 2011.  Every time we drink out of them, we'll smile at our memories that were made during the week!
Thankfully mom brought some fun crafts for the kids (painting sun catchers, making Shrinky Dinks) because it ended up raining two days.  Even that was nice though, because we were able to have a little bit of down time watching movies, playing games (especially Blokus and Hedbanz), and work on crafts. The boys loved fishing and swimming in the lake with Kent.  He's so great about taking them and spending quality time with them. We worked out a few times and even snuck in a few naps.  It was just wonderful getting to spend time with our family and watch the kids' relationships grow and develop with each other and with their aunt, uncles, and grandparents. It's hard when they don't get to see each other very often and we all really cherish our time quality time together.  The talent show was so cute and we'll never forget Ryan's "what will forever be known as The Headstand" and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.  We were so proud of Luke for getting up and singing & dancing.  I will never forget his smile that was both shy, nervous, and proud all at the same time.  I think his confidence grew after watching GG & Sam's adorable performance of "Hey Good Lookin'" that Sam choreographed.  Piper even got up and performed a few jumps for us!  We're thrilled that Kent took some amazing photos of the 5 cousins together (photos with a one year old are not easy!) and also pictures of our 3 kids both together and individually.  I know Kent really wanted to spend some time taking beautiful photos.  Aside from some anxiety and adjustment issues that Luke had off and on the first few days, we had a very special week with family and can't wait until next year's trip!!