Labor Day

Here are a few snapshots of our Labor Day weekend... posting just a few weeks later. :)  We went to Lake Wateree with The Grangers and The Shellenbergs.  James pretty much cried the entire time, which kept my hands {and patience} full.  I didn’t know until a week later that he was teething times 8.  Poor baby.

After a quick stop by Walmart on the way, James had his first boat ride!  With a very uncomfortable life jacket… you get what you pay for.  The boat ride was the highlight of James’ trip, although the pictures tell a different story.

After naps, the Daddies took the big kids in the lake.

While we sat by the “pool” with our sweet baby Chloe.

Lynyrd thought he was a country dog and seemed to think he was about 60 pounds bigger than he really is.

That is, until the next morning when he got a bug bite, and his whole world came crashing down on him.

Yes, The Helfers have seen better days.  I don’t know if James is a horrible traveler or if he just has really bad luck.  Our trips usually come with an ear infection, stomach bug, 8 teeth or something.  I never figure out the cause of all the crying until we get home, which makes our family vacations pretty frustrating and exhausting.

I think the only time James was able to get his mind off of his teething pain was when he read books with Callie.  These two really are best friends, and I think it’s so sweet.

In fact, it appears to be a mutual first crush.  And when I look at these pictures, I am so thankful for friends that stand by our side through the good times and the bad.  Through smiles and tears.  Because that’s what friendships are all about.  And sometimes you just need a buddy.