Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend was a fantastic way to kick off our summer. We enjoyed fabulous weather and great times with family and friends.  The neighborhood kids are out in full force and there is nowhere Sam would rather be than outside.  Although he wasn't too sure about Kennedy being his personal taxi driver!

We spent a fun evening at Sarah and Brett's trying out their latest business venture, Waverunners.  While the older kids played in the water balls, Grandma Jackie snuggled with Tuck and Sam.

We took the boat out for the first time this season and the kids were anxious to get their tube on!

Farewell boys, hang on tight!

These boys stayed out there for an hour, enduring all the bumps and tossing and turning Randy steered them into.  The wind was annoying but we forged on.  

Sam loves the boat but the second it starts going and we put his life/straight jacket on, he's out!
It feels so good to have him snuggle up to me like that again.

On Memorial Day we loaded up the 4-wheelers and headed for the hills above Saratoga Springs.

Randy rode with Sam, Hank rode solo, and Max and I brought up the rear.

It was an absolutely beautiful day and beautiful ride.  Here are the boys at the summit. 

Man, we are lucky to live so close to the outdoors.  

Sam couldn't wait to throw some rocks.  Total boy right there.

He could have stayed up there all day.

These little dudes are troopers.  They are at such fun ages to do things.

After our ride, Max really wanted to try out Hank's 4-wheeler.  Randy decided it was a good day to teach him how to drive but his face clearly shows regret!  Max actually was really careful and did a great job.

I had plenty of time to reflect during our long ride.  Being up in the mountains always reminds me of Grandpa Karl and the incredible times we shared on the horses.  The smell of the sage brush and wild flowers brings it all back to me.  I think about grandpa and grandma every single day.  My biggest tribute to them is spending quality time with my family.  That was always the most important thing to them.
It's weekends like this that make me so grateful to be a mother to 3 boys.  I love getting outside and enjoying the beauty that surrounds us.  I'm so glad the boys love to do things with us.  It's going to be an active, fun summer for the Griff's!