Sunday, July 14th

Sunday morning the weather was cloudy but not terribly hot, so Jim offered to take the big kids on a hike (letterboxing) while Waverly and I worked on a project.  The kids were ecstatic and eager to set out, and I was thrilled to have the time to finally tackle reorganizing the art/craft/school closet and better yet, to have my mom's (Nana) help!

The intrepid adventurers ready to go!

The trail they took was a full 4.5 miles!  I was so proud to hear how awesomely they did, keeping good attitudes and having a fun time (and no one asked to be carried).

This was a letterboxing trail they had been on before, but had not been able to find a few of the boxes - this time they found the rest!  They were very pleased with themselves :-)

Lincoln, hunting for tiny frogs.

Jim's BFF Steven went along - apparently Jim had called him up and asked if he'd like to go with him and the kids on a hike.  He did not mention to him that said hike was nearly five miles long until they were already there, lol.  The kids sure do love him!

The return trek.

Lincoln: "I'm not tired at ALL, Daddy..." -- said approximately 10 seconds before this picture was taken during the car ride home :-)

Naps and bath time followed, and we loaded back up to head out for dinner.  We LOVE Pollo Tropical and is one of our most go-to family friendly eating choices.  What's not to love??  The food is yummy and healthy, the kids are always happy to eat there, and they have *one* special corner booth that we called "our booth" that comfortably seats all six of us!

Lincoln and Victoria crouched down in their section of the booth, plotting their secret spy tactics.

Waverly :-)

Scarlett can't get enough of her baby sister and loves checking on her...

...and giving her little kisses or telling her something sweet!

Back home, it was time for a last pre-bedtime show.  We had made a quick stop at Publix on the way to pick up a few ingredients so that I could make my copycat Starbucks' Caramel Apple Spice drink for all of us. So delicious and a nice little treat to cap off our weekend!

They were SO excited when Jim said he would stop to get the fixings for me to make it - so many questions, "Are you going to make it TONIGHT?"  "Can we actually HAVE it tonight?" lol  Yes and yes ;-)

A lot cheaper to make at home, especially when multiplying it by five drinkers!  Good quality apple juice, a dollop of Starbucks' Dulce de Leche syrup, caramel sauce and fat free whipped cream.  Love it!