The 4th of July

We all met at Mom & Dad Conn's house for a 4th of July bbq. It was delicious and so comfortable. Their new deck is really a lovely outdoor living space. And Mom's backyard is the most beautiful of gardens. I walked around taking a few up close pictures of my favs. It was such a peaceful afternoon...thank you for a wonderful time Mom & Dad. (((HUGS)))

Wishing for pics...

I'm currently wishing that we had brought the camera with us yesterday, but still extremely thankful for all the wonderful memories made, just the same. :)

Adam told us all to get some comfy clothing on and then, in classic Adam style, he took us all out for a day of adventure and fun. :D (Which is why I married the man in the first place. Some of us are fun personified and others are along for the thrill of a lifetime...I'm the later! :p)

He started by taking us out to eat, nothing fancy, but lots of laughing. Then off to our local nature center for a 1.1 mile hike through the woods...strolling down by the river and over fallen logs...so many bugs that the girls ran, while Adam and I soaked in the bits of sun pouring through the overhead canopy of trees. It was so beautiful. In another season, we will be heading back to do this much more often!

Then we hopped in the mini-van and were off to the most beautiful spot by the river, I have ever been. No other people were around...a lovely deck, strong wind...blue skies with lots of sun, gave way to skipping rocks and talking as a family for over 2 hours. Sitting on the edge of larger rocks, splashing our feet and dreaming out-loud.

Off to the mall to shop for an hour and then grabbing some fresh pretzels on our way out to the car we all waited patiently for the fireworks to begin. And WOW! They lasted a full 27 minutes (which is the longest we've experienced the whole time we've lived here) ending in the most amazing display of grandeur. One right after another...they seemed like they were exploding straight over head. Such fun!

The best memories to be written down, talked about and remembered for a lifetime. This is what living is all about. Not all the hype you see on tv, but rather movement, laughter and love. Happy 4th of July everyone and much, much LOVE! (((HUGS)))