Annual Day at the Lake

For the past 2 years, my company picnic has taken place at Norfork Lake. It's only about 40 minutes from West Plains, where I work. For us it's quite a bit farther. I can count on 1 hand the number of times I've been on the lake in my life, so I've really enjoyed this annual day on the water. Especially, because both years we have gotten to go out in a boat and do some really fun water sports. 

This year, Griffin was screaming "boat! boat!" as soon as we came into sight of the dock. He did really well last year, but it was cool to see him actually enjoy the boat ride this year and be aware of what we were doing.

loving the swimming area

only my child would want to bring a stick in

skiing....got up on my first try!

  

my cheer section - several times Griffin didn't want me to get in the water

 

this is how you get ready to surf

this takes a lot of balance, but easier on the body than skiing

 

25 Months Old

I debated about whether to continue monthly photos. I just can't quit yet. One of those, "I've gone this far......maybe I'll do it until he's 3" things. So here is this month. 

And here are a few more pictures from the last month:

adding sunglasses to his backwards hat, where does he learn these things?

no shoes are safe from him

this particular pair cause a lot of crashes

farm boy

Another potential girlfriend is born!

We have been friends with Josh and Nicole for many, many years. I met them both when we all worked at Lowe's, and later Nicole and I lived together. Drew and Josh quickly became buds, after all they are the same person in 2 different bodies. They were the last of our friends expecting a little one, and sadly, the farthest away couple that we won't get to see as often.

Last Friday, Nicole found out their little girl due August 30th would be coming much sooner. On Saturday night she finally made her appearance. This was extra exciting for Griffin because he got to stay up later than he ever has. Well.....since he was a baby and not on any kind of sleeping schedule. 

waiting outside the door, only because she didn't mind!

Kyle is fun! He is married to Josh's sister. Griffin loves this guy, maybe it's
because his last name is Griffin...... 

When we finally go to see the new family of 3 it was around 1:30am, so we hugged, snapped a quick couple of photos and headed home. 

brand new!

On Wednesday night, we headed up to Springfield after work to really meet little Miss Landrie Dell, and to take dinner to the new parents. 

I forgot how babies are so sleepy at first!

Griffin giving her a kiss, he's such a kisser and has had a lot of practice!

so sweet!

Drew does exceptionally well with babies

.....and after many attempts, we finally got the kiss on camera

Annual Branson Weekend

Since Griffin has come along, we've started an annual weekend trip to Branson.  Last weekend was the 2013 version, and although the first year was fun.....it doesn't compare to how much fun Griffin is able to have now!

We started on Saturday at Silver Dollar City. Also there were the Watson family and the Carmans. This allowed us to ride rides and have a great time. The highlight was going to be the train ride that goes through the park. After waiting nearly an hour, we found out that the train broke down and needed repaired. What a bummer. Amazingly, Griffin was okay with that and apparently got enough enjoyment out of hearing/seeing it. 

on the drive down......I love this happy little boy

much different on the frogs this year, he jumped in and grabbed
the bar not caring if I was even behind him

"I like this one!"

Meagan rode the butterflies

wheeee!

when I refer to the Watson children, this is them!
Westlee, Makalah, and Meagan

Tammy took him to the carousel while we waited for the train

Silver Dollar City was hot and exhausting, but we refreshed at the hotel and had a nice dinner at the mexican restaurant on the landing. I have always wanted to see a Cirque show, so when I saw that a "branson version" called Cirque Montage was playing at a theatre I bought us tickets online. It was verrrrrrrrrry interesting. I think Drew was ready to leave at intermission, he said something about having nightmares. Griffin sat on his lap the entire time, and even high-fived several of the performers when they came into the audience. 

elevator ride after a long day!

We spent day #2 at White Water. As I expected, little water baby Griffin had a ball. It was a cloudy day but hot/humid and actually more enjoyable that if the blazing sun was out. We planned to meet the Watson family here also. I had a blast riding the rides with Westlee and Makalah, good times!

the water in the little kids' area was COLD

note to self: never buy a water camera again
all of the stripey photos came from it

wave pool, a big hit! he especially loved almost being knocked over

first photo bomb ever.....and it's a good one

silly girls!

running through the water spouts

hard to stand up!