Let Freedom Ring

If you're Steven, that title there will send you into an exaggerated country-twang over the top version of Martina McBride's song, Independence Day. So for those who know what I'm talking about, enjoy having that little tune ringing in your head all day!

Friday morning the men headed out for a round of golf or to "beat that ball" as my dad would say. That evening after dinner and after putting Matt snugly in his bed Steven & I headed out to see the fireworks display with Zach, Joy & Ava. Us and a multitude of others gathered at Mt. Bonnell to try and get a peek at the action miles away. I stood on my toes the entire time and leaned to my right over a fence while looking through a forest of trees and saw most of the fireworks. They looked like tiny little explosions from where we were. Let's just say we'll pick a different vantage point next year.

Saturday morning the dudes headed out again only this time to give their dusty shotguns some action at the shooting range. Seriously, you'll shoot your eye out, right? Matthew took a hugely long nap that afternoon and woke up to a house full of people. He seemed happy about it but a little foggy as to why and when all these people had arrived. We enjoyed some awesome BBQ, juice boxes, sugar cookies & cake, gummy worms, watched the kids play & fight over all of Matt's toys, saw several humorous runs down the slip 'n slide, and laughed as the baby pool became a wave pool (Josh & Ava loved it and Matthew just stood there and grinned at them, it was hilarious). It was a good time, to be sure. It was great to catch up with everyone and spend a day eating, talking, and laughing at the kids.

Slip 'n slide antics...I like how Josh & Ava are racing down the lanes.

Hangin' by the pool.

Naturally, once everyone had left we remembered that we had sparklers for all the kids. I could kick myself! Ugh. So, Matt & Ava blew through two boxes of them in the backyard. They loved them. We only had to warn them a few times not to touch the pretty sparkly flames. Once that action was over they decided to walk underneath the empty baby pool. The Reners call it the turtle. We got some good video of it. Those kids couldn't stop giggling.

We had a great time. Thanks to everyone who came from near and far and thanks especially to our very own Tim & Pam for letting us have a big crowd of messy people invade their once quiet, peaceful home. You guys are the best.