One more Durham post - so many good times

What a perfect day we had a Jordan Lake! (despite the somewhat murky water) Kids and adults all in the car by 9 AM and back home in the afternoon for naps. Not to mention a delicious picnic lunch. Oh - and warm water perfect for splashing and wading, and sunshine (but not too hot)! By the end of the morning, Asher & Gemma were happily acquainted with all the fun that sand can be for digging and splashing and letting it run through your fingers.

Gemma and Asher begin their explorations of the lake.

Grandpa helped Gemma start floating & swimming in the water. It didn't take her too long to really get into it; she laid herself right down in the shallow water, and pushed herself around on her hands, getting a few gulps of water here and there - to which she would come up smiling.

Even Adah Joy was very happy in the water! All smiles!

There was a nice sandy playground at the lake, too.

 

Who can't love this happy picture!

Here we are on a quick afternoon visit to Duke Gardens. We could have spent the day there learning about all the flowers and bushes and trees, but instead satisfied ourselves with meandering through the paths and different gardens for a couple of hours. (Although Gemma was a bit disappointed that she couldn't join the fish in the koi pond, despite sticking her feet in before we could stop her.) 

It is amazing to see how Duke Gardens has continued to improve and expand over the years. So much upkeep, and it is done so well! Just another great reason to live in Durham!

Let's take a break for the moment in the shade. Isn't this a classic Hawkins pose?

Asher and Gemma were so sweet to each other...

my lovely sister

Happy Father's Day!

Wow, three siblings together on Father's Day! What a great dad we have!

I couldn't resist this photo below - Adah Joy loves to be held like this when she is tired; she will purposefully throw her head back and arch her back until she is comfortable. 

One more photo before we head to the airport!