Our Fourth of July Happenings!

I am truly behind on posting. It's July 24th and I am just now posting about our Fourth of July celebrations after getting back from Texas. We got back on July 2nd and had to hit the ground running. Mac had to get right back into football and moto riding. ( Thanks to Izer's for taking him!) 

Lilly had girl scouts to get caught up with and a few gymnastic classes. The Sandy Mountain Festival was just a few days away too. We have been going and going, but having fun doing it all!

As most of you know, the Fourth of July is mine and Pat's wedding anniversary! I had intentionally made sure to get back from Texas in time to spend it with him. It's been 11 years since we said our "I DO'S". I am one lucky gal. Thank you Pat for always loving me and making our family and love your #1 priority all the time.

I"m thankful every day I live for the warmth and kindness you give- Thankful that in God's design, he planned it so your path crossed mine.

Happy Anniversary Babe.

XOXO

We spent the Fourth at home. It was nice to all be together and not be in a rush to be anywhere or get anything done. We did go to the neighbors for a nice BBQ and watched the kids run around and play. Griff was entertaining, as always, and Pat and I spent most of the time chasing him around to keep him out of things. Once it was just about dark, we started the sparklers and poppers for the kids. They couldn't wait to watch the bigger fire works. Griff was exhausted and slept thru all of it. Our neighborhood was crazy fun and very loud...way into the wee hours of the morning.

I could tell the kids were glad to be home too and ready to get into a routine. It was a nice Fourth.

Our next event was the kids parade for The Sandy Mountain Festival. The kids decorate their bikes, scooters, etc and ride them in the parade. We decided Lilly could drive her car and Griff could ride with her. Mac rode his bike to keep tabs on both of them and make sure Griff didn't jump out or Lilly didn't run over anyone! Lilly's car looked great.

 She wanted to do a red, white and blue theme...

 We covered her car in flags, etc...

 and put my Dad's ribbon from his service on the front of her car. It was totally her idea...I was amazed that she even thought of it. The ribbons looked amazing and his name was right on the front. I had tears in my eyes as she drove past us in it. Thank you Aunt Myrt for picking it up for us after his service. I have it hanging up with his boots, hat, suspenders and Vietnam Medals in our office that was his bedroom when he would come stay with us. I treasure all of it...deeply.

 I think this will be the last year I can talk Mac into riding in the "kid parade". He was definitely the oldest one there...but he was a good sport about it! He will still do the pet show and bike derby but probably not this parade. LOL.

 I was really glad that I got photos of Griff and Lilly in the car just before the parade started because Griff had a meltdown and didn't end up riding in the car at all. I had to put him in the stroller...in his defense, the parade didn't start until about 12:15. He was ready for some lunch and for a nap. I can never figure out why people schedule kid events when it's either a meal time or a nap time. Go figure (0:

We will try again next year. Griff will be riding his own bike or driving the car himself by then!

We finished the day off with some delicious ribs.

Pat and Griff ate 'em up-

 YUM!
Lastly, Pat and I always enjoy Mountain Festival Days because we go out without the kids to hang out and have a good time with our friends! Every year we have good stories to talk about until the next Mountain Festival rolls around. My favorite part is dancing, of course! I didn't get many pictures from my camera, but these are from Pat's phone-

Thanks everyone for another fun Mountain Fest (0: