4th of July

Our 4th didn't go quite as planned. Most of the celebrations were cancelled due to the weather. The 3rd it pretty much rained all day. The 4th it was spotty showers and hazy, overcast skies. We still had a nice day.

There were homemade cookies made with red, white and blue M&M's to enjoy.

The plan was to go to a parade and then have a picnic. The parade was cancelled and we knew the park would be too wet for a picnic. Megan was disappointed. (I admit I was also.) The picnic was moved to the living room floor!

 

Chuck turned on some patriotic music and we enjoyed our picnic. 

 

 Chuck picked up a couple fireworks for the backyard. 

 

 Fireworks were not cancelled, but we decided not to go as it was starting to rain again. We were able to see fireworks thanks to someone near us setting them off. 

Megan declared this wonderful as she was able to stand on our sidewalk and enjoy them with her pajamas on!

It may not have been the day we planned, but it was still a great day!

 May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Celebrating 10!

Friday was Megan's birthday. Chuck took the day off work and we picked up the in-laws to head out for a day of adventure. The plan was to take a ride in this.

Sadly the balloon ended up being grounded due to the wind. I think we were more disappointed then Megan. The balloon is inside of a 1800's living history museum so we were still able to have fun. 

Along the way there were activities kids could participate in for a small fee. Megan was able to make a bracelet out of a copper pipe, create a pinch pot out of clay, dip a candle and make a turtle by doing silver casting. She enjoyed all of these things. Of course, you could skip these things and still have fun! We usually do without complaint. ;) 

It was a beautiful 80* day with a nice breeze. It made for an enjoyable day to walk the paths. 

All of the hands on activities make this a really fun place. 

Once we were headed back home we gave Megan a choice of two places for dinner. She choose to have steak for dinner. 

The evening ended at the in-law for presents and cake. 

What a fun day we had celebrating Megan! 

There have been so many changes in Megan this last year. She is leaving little girl behind and becoming more and more of a young lady. Not only in her looks, but in her actions. I love her gentle heart and quick wit. I am looking forward to watching her grow this next year.

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Happy Birthday, America!

Happy 240th Independence Day America!

 May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Joy in the Ordinary

Look around, really look around and you will find joy... joy in the everyday... joy in the ordinary things.

Silly girl practicing safety first as she was helping me.

We are spending at least a couple of hours here most days. It is nice to have parents with a pool!

She said "Hey Mama, I have a mustache and eyebrows like Daddy." Ha! Ha!

While cleaning out a chest to use for photo storage I ran across a quilt that Chuck's grandmother made for us when we were first married. 

I found a spot for it spot for it so it isn't tucked away out of sight. 

We took an afternoon hike. 

When we were done we took the long way home. 

First we stopped something cool to drink. 

The start of laundry detergent. 

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!

Two Became One

Last Saturday my niece, Alison, was married! The fun started on Friday with the wedding party getting their nails done. This was a first for Megan!

I keep forgetting how tall Megan is getting and how short I am! If I don't start to remember I might not be seen at all soon. :)

It was an outside wedding. It just happened to be on a day with a forecast high of 95*! We might have been a little worried. Everyone stayed inside the church until just before the wedding. We took our seats and were pleasantly surprised by a nice breeze. 

Alison made a beautiful bride. She and Josh are high school sweethearts and have been patiently waiting for this day. Before Josh proposed he spoke with my brother-in-law and agreed not to be married until Alison graduated from college. She graduated in May with her RN. She has had a very exciting couple of months!

I might have tagged behind the photographer to capture these shots. 

Megan was super excited to be in the wedding. 

The photographer snapped a few shots off of her camera with her phone and sent them to Alison. A sneak preview of sort. This is a shot she captured of Megan. 

I can't wait to see the pictures once she works her magic.

It was a simple, beautiful day for a wonderful couple. We love Josh and Alison so much and are looking forward to seeing what the Lord has in store for their new life together.

May your day be filled with joy and contentment!