July 4th & Amelia Island

My absolute favorite picture of the week. This just captures her fun-loving personality and how I love her oh so much.

The 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays. I love the summer, the beach, watermelon, grilling, and cookouts with friends and family that come along with it. And of course, I found a million patriotic crafts on pinterest and did none of them. It was still fun to think I might attempt them one day.

At a time in our country when there are many things not to be proud of, I am thankful that God is not finished with His work in our country and in each of our lives. The 4th of July for me is celebrating the many men and women that helped our country gain its freedom, but even more, that Christ died so that I can have freedom from my sins and a relationship with God!

This 4th of July the Hensley family went to Amelia Island for the 2nd annual family beach trip. It was great to be at the beach and this time to have Emma with us. Last year I was about 6 months pregnant and had horrible psiatic nerve issues. So, being able to actually take a walk on the beach and not be in excruciating pain was awesome.

Emma is a certified water bug. She would have stayed in the water all day if we let her. The loud crashing of the waves and the huge ocean didn't scare her one bit. She would just stick her face right in the water (I think she was really trying to drink it).

She has proven more and more to be such a flexible baby. Long road trips are hard for any baby and I can sympathize because I don't like being cooped up in the car for hours either. Emma just goes along with it though. I did have to do some acrobatic moves and climb in the back with her while driving (probably illegal) to entertain her, but once she had a back seat companion, she was happy as ever.

Here are some pictures from our week...

Emma and Uncle T - she really grew quite fond of him that week

Emma with Aunt Megan

My girl with a very serious look on her face

Meeting Aunt Susan & cousin Blake for the first time.

Story time with Aunt Susan and Uncle Brad. They won her over by reading her Fisher Price farm flip book. She loves to play with all the flaps on it and surprisingly hasn't ripped any off yet. 

Sisters. 

Cousins. Hanging out before the fireworks. I don't have any firework pictures on here because have you ever tried to take a picture of a firework? I mean, really. I'm not that good. 

Me and my guy. 

Those are some intimidating guys right there. 

Clinging to daddy at the beginning...

Then off by herself - kicking her feet, flapping her arms, and sticking her face in the water.

Fun with DeeDee in the pool

"Ok, let me go in the water now mom."

Our little family

Sweet relief

This is how we felt everyday. We stayed up with everyone, but Emma didn't seem to get the memo and woke up at her usual time (6:30am). So so fun, but so so exhausted. 

"What? I'm just getting my workout in."

Reading about that very hungry caterpillar. (Thanks Aunt Megan for the super cool dress)

Siblings.