4th of July

Always a large family event, we celebrate July 4th with just as much fervor as Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is a great time for everyone who can to gather together and eat, play, catch up. 

It is so much fun, being a part of a large family. 

This week we were fortunate enough to have TWO celebrations. 

On July 4th we drove out to Eagle Mountain Lake to cheer on the fireworks at Aunt Sue and Uncle Jim's place. 

Appetizers under the pergola

It was Wyatt's first time in the lake and he was such a fun little floater. He would drift back and forth between everyone. Gabby and Pop Pops took him up to the beach so he could build sandcastles - he had lots of help there. 

Not sure about this sand business

Pop Pops explaining how sand castles work

Sue & Jim prepared an amazing dinner that we all shared. Then we headed back down to the dock to watch fireworks. Wyatt loved Jim's tram and found the whole thing fascinating. 

Tram-tastic!

This was also Wyatt's first time to see fireworks. For days, he has been talking about "ka-BOOM". His favorite color firework was green and he was just riveted by the show. Sue and Jim had a little chair for him that had a cup holder "for his blue juice", but...he still spent most of the show perched in Gabby's lap. 

On Saturday, we drove out to Briar Creek Vineyard for more 4th fun. We started out in the pool - it was a revisit from childhood. We played motor boat, we had appetizers, we had beverages. 

What's that you say? You've never had THIS MUCH FUN?

Motor Boat, Motor Boat, Go So Slow...

Cheers, Brother!

Looks like they're on vacation

Fun with Aunt Becky

Then the rocket contest began. This was the first annual model rocket event and I think it is something that will be added to the rotation. Kids of all ages were fascinated by it. Since a steady stream of beer had been imbibed, there was a lot of trash talking and good spirited ribbing. 

Blast Off!

Up in the sky, Aunt Katie

I feel the need...the need...for speed

It's a bird, It's a plane, It's...daddy's rocket!

Spending time with Aunt Katie

From there, a pie baking contest ensued. Proud to say that Gabby won the pie contest fair and square with her amazing chocolate pie. Aunt Becky baked a cherry pie that I'm dying to get the recipe for; I probably would have eaten that whole thing, if sharing wasn't caring...

Pie Contest WINNER!!!!

Fireworks and patriotic songs rounded out our evening. I'm telling you that our family is so fortunate to have each other and to have such great experiences together. I feel blessed to have been able to introduce Jason to the joys of a large group of crazies that genuinely care about each other.  And that Wyatt and Everett will have the same childhood experiences I did: growing up with a passel of cousins, Aunts, and Uncles, Grandmothers, and Grandfathers who are all invested in making sure you have the best life possible.  

God Bless America!