4th of July

In the picturesque setting of the Weaver's backyard sandwiched between the smell of freshly cut mint and chicken on the grill, it was hard to tell if the smells, the sounds, or the sights were my favorite part of this American Holiday. The kids had a ball running around the yard as the adults sat comfortably in the shade under the large back porch. The food was beyond delicious and yet it paled in comparison to the company around the table. My heart is full because of the freedoms we are so honored to have, my heart is humbled by the men and women who leave their families and fight so bravely to protect our country and my heart is exploding with the love I have for those I hold dear. Happy Fourth of July!!!

The gracious hosts~
After dinner, we met our church family at the Sunnyside Pool for swimming before going to the church parking lot to watch the city fireworks. Perfect ending to a perfect day.

Birthdays By the Sea

To celebrate my sister's 40th birthday and my birthday, we met Camille, Wally, mom and dad on the Washington Coast. The sites were like none I'd ever seen. It was a good excuse to visit "Twilight Country" too! We had a wonderful trip and will cherish those memories forever.

Rialto Beach

Camille and I noticed how similar Wally and Kent are from their hair, coloring, build, stride- right down to their choice of clothes today!

Looking for starfish at low tide.

Horsing around Birthday party!

Since Grandpa, Grandma, Reagran and Annie are all going to be gone on Ella's "real" birthday, we had to have cake with them. When you are going to make a birthday cake, you might as well add a party, right? We thought we'd go with the "horse and cowgirl" theme to match her new boots.

All served in a pie tin!!

Pretty Pansies

Any event that lets a little girl wear her mom's make up, be on a stage in a costume, and dance- sounds like a pretty good idea to Ella. I knew all year that Ella is very excited about dancing, especially on "The Big Stage" but I did NOT know how seriously she takes it. When it was her groups's turn, she marched right to her spot and looked right at her teacher the whole time, doing each step perfectly. I was so proud of her and happy that she was so proud of herself! (She chose to do this pose).

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