Thames Family Lake House

Yes, it's true. The Thames family now has a lake house - just not THIS Thames family. Christopher's brother and his wife are now the proud owners of an amazing lake house on the Auburn side of Lake Martin. To celebrate their little boy's 1st birthday, they invited all of the family to come break it in! Although it wasn't warm enough to get in the water, the kids had a great time digging in the sand, roasting marshmallows, and just spending time together. We had 7 kids all under 5 so there was lots of action. What a wonderful place to grow-up! We look forward to many memories there together! Thanks Allyn and Ashley for inviting us!!

Loved putting our feet (and then some) into the water. I think I dried his shorts twice that day.

Baby Allyn celebrating his 1st birthday!

Does not like the cake on his hands!

Papa fishing on the pier - where does Rutland get his personality from?

And his good looks??

Rutland pulling Hill in the wagon.

Couldn't wait to get in his birthday suit! His clothes were probably in the dryer - again!

Hill playing in the sand - get is also in her birthday suit. 

Bedtime in the bunk room. Winding down to a movie

A Movie Star is Born

Ever since Christopher got his precious new i phone, he has done a great job of taking pictures and video of the kids. I have to admit, he always remembers to take the time to capture the best moments! I always forget (or am so busy doing everything else, a-hem, I don't have a free hand) - either way, I'm very thankful because he's captured some great material. Funny, it all involves our new little movie star - Rutland. He loves to be videoed so he can watch himself back - he's very amused with himself. So, I am attempting to post the best ones thus far and will try to keep a running tally of my little Brad Pitt's work.

**In order to hear the wonderful commentary by Christopher (who sounds like he might live 2 doors down from a doublewide - can you hear the redneck come out?) you will need to scroll down to the music that normally plays on the blog and pause it.

Video #1: White Boy Loves His Ribs

Our friends and 3 doors up neighbors Robb & Libby got a smoker (aka Robb got a new toy) so they invite us up often to eat BBQ b/c Robb likes to practice his technique. Rutland is by far my best eater and will readily try anything we give him. So after playing all afternoon and working up a pretty good appetite, he didn't think twice about tearing into a rib. With BBQ sauce spread from cheek to cheek, he tore into that poor little rib like a T-rex. He proceeded to down 2 more after the first one. He'll be ready for a 4th of July rib eating contest soon!

Video #2 - Rambo

Once again, our dear friends Robb & Libby are responsible for video #2. One night as things were winding down at our house, Robb, Libby, Harris and Miller stop by with what?? Machine guns! They bought their boys some and were kind enough to think of Rutland. He loves it and C caught him "shooting" the people on TV. Please note how he tilts his head to aim - priceless!

Video #3 - Evil Kenevil

Rutland is 100% boy and will usually figure out a "dangerous" way to use a perfectly safe toy. I guess the thrill was gone on his little 4-wheeler, so he decided to ride standing up to terrify us. Thankfully, he's pretty good at it and has way more balance, coordination, and athletic ability than his sister.