We go to Ben's grandpa's farm every year for the 4th of July. This tradition has been going on for a while. I don't think I would be exaggerating if I said it's been happening at least 60 years. Everyone in his family camps out - it's a big family reunion.
The farm is one of Ben's favorite places. He went there for weeks at a time during the summer throughout his childhood. It's really fun to see Eli loving the same things his dad loves. Eli has a great love for the outdoors - which made for a great weekend!
There's a lot of preparation that goes into getting the campsite ready for the reunion. This year, we went down a little early so that Ben could help his grandpa. While Ben was on the tractor, we walked down to one of his favorite places. The bridge:
Gathering rocks to throw into the water.

A quick hug from mom.
Note the rock in his hand. He was ready to play!
He's a fish in the water.

He's a big fan of playing in the river with his dad

Eli and Ben with Ben's grandma.
Eli and Grandma A. played together a lot. She kept telling Eli that he was 'the cutest boy she's ever seen'. We couldn't agree more :)

Ben and Eli with Ben's grandpa.
Great grandpa (or "Papa" as Eli called him) is truly the nicest man I've ever known.
Eli's first driving lesson.
His favorite thing to do is pretend to drive.

Eli on the way home - still reeling with excitement from the weekend.
This is how he traveled the entire six hours home. There was not an ounce of frustration, or a tear shed. He was so content to talk to us or look out the window. He's a dream!