4th of July in Kentucky

This year, over the 4th of July, we made the 14 hour journey from Rochester to Paducah, Kentucky.  This year the Turok side of the family was getting together for a reunion that we werent about to miss.  On the night of July 3rd, we left after Mike got off work and drove over to Cincinatti, Ohio where we spent the night.  The next morning, we got up and drove the rest of the way into Paducah.  That afternoon, we checked into the hotel and then headed over to Mike's Grand-dad's house where we were able to visit with some of his cousins, aunts, uncles, and of course his grand-dad.

Rhett & Papa

After dinner, all the boys got together and shot off some fireworks on the street--which the kids thought were awesome.  When the sun started to set, we headed over to downtown Paducah where there was a firework show right over the Ohio River which is awesome, because I am a sucker for fireworks shot off over water.  There is just something about being on the water and having the fireworks reflect off the water  #LOVEIT  It was a cool scene there because you pull up near the river, park your car, and watch the show from your car.  Its like one big tailgating party.

All the boys having a little too much fun

Daddy and Rhett

Waiting for the City of Paducah fireworks

Rhett expressing his excitement

Nic posing

Hanging out before the firework show

The next morning, Mike and my brother Nic took off with some of the men to go shoot guns while me and some of the other ladies stayed behind to let the kids swim in the pool at the hotel.  After the men returned, we headed off for St. Louis (another 3 hour drive from Paducah) to attend the St Louis Cardinals game in downtown St. Louis.  The game was AWESOME.  The weather was perfect, the Cardinals won, and the company was great.  Although I had to swallow my cheapness down my throat after paying 48 bucks for 4 hot dogs, chicken fingers, and some fries, it was well worth it b/c they were some pretty darn good hot dogs, and come on, who goes to the ballpark without eating a hot dog?  The Cardinals have a gorgeous stadium that faces the famous St Louis Arch, and to top off the night, the cardinals won!  Plus we walked away with a free "Mike Shannon Bobble-head" toy that we got for being a part of the first 2,000 people or something like that to enter the stadium  (mike shannon is a long time announcer for the Cardinals).

Me and my girls entering the ball park

Uncle Nic, Zoey, & Addison

Me and the Mister

My baby boy and I

An attempted family shot

Like father, like son

 One good looking couple

Proof that we love each other  :)

2 tough men  #dontmess

Ok, Rhett looks HUGE in this picture, but I thought it was cute

My Zoey and me

A failed attempt at getting a grandkid shot with PaPa

Whats a ball game without cotton candy

Mmmm

PaPa being PaPa

                                      

Day shot --and if you notice in the grass, they mow the "arch" into the ball field...pretty cool we thought

 Night shot

Uncle Nic

Rhett and Uncle Nic enjoying the game

On Saturday, we slept in, took the kids swimming again at the pool, and then met up with Mike's brother, Kim at my beloved Chick-Fil-A.  Oh Chick-Fil-A, how my heart aches for you to come to New York  :(  After enjoying our delicious Chick-Fil-A, we headed for the Paducah Mall #nothingspecial, where we walked around.

Later that evening we headed off for Mike's great-aunt Norma's property in Illinois, on our way, we couldnt help but stop at the home of Superman in Metropolis, Illinois and get pictures with the famous, and ginormous statue of him.

Super Addison

Super Zoey

Super Rhett

Super Addison again in the female form

Overall, Metropolis was kind of a dumpy town.  But we had fun posing with Superman.  After our visit, we headed on up to Aunt Norma's home where everyone got to get together, visit, eat, and take cover from the thunderstorm that came rolling through.  To end the evening, a bunch of Mike's cousins put on this FABULOUS firework show.  No lie, I think it was better than the city of Paducah's firework show.  It was that awesome.

Big PaPa and Rhett

                                     

Just hanging out

Me and Rhett taking shelter from the rain

We had a great time in Paducah and it was a lot of fun seeing everyone and getting to meet some of Mike's cousins for the first time.  Until next time...