Monday, July 7, 2008

July 4th Weekend Fun

We are so blessed to live in our great country and to be able to celebrate our nation's birth in so many ways. Not only are there many parades, fireworks displays and other shows to attend, but there are also many "family & friends" celebrations held in many homes and parks! This year we were honored to host a "family & friends" celebration at our home.
Because this was his first year to celebrate our country's birthday, Jayden was the special guest of honor! Doesn't he look mighty proud to be an American??? And because our niece was the most recent arrival to our area, Kari was also ranked as a special guest of honor! (she joined us in spite of the fact that she had just finished working a very busy 12-hour shift all night! thanks, Kari!)
We also enjoyed having Kevin and his family with us for the day. Unfortunately, his wife Kelley had to eat and run, as she was assigned to work on this holiday.
And this special friend had just returned from her work in Asia. It was so fun to hear some of her travels and experiences abroad. We hope to hear more in the weeks ahead!

Some of the kids enjoyed a game of ladder golf...

Others enjoyed visiting about their travels far and wide...

Our family, missing M, who was working.
Later in the afternoon, the girls took this happy little boy for a walk around the neighborhood. The day was warm and so pleasant (No mosquitoes or bugs! Yeah for life in SoCal!!!)
We did not attend a fireworks show this year because of the baby. We just relaxed at home with a movie and snacks!
The following day, we were off to our friends the Walters, for another pot-luck picnic and fun in their pool. With the hot weather, the water was relaxing and fun.
Of course, the food and fellowship was great, too!
On Sunday, after the church services, Marilyn joined Kari for an afternoon at Seal Beach.
Following a delicious lunch at a sidewalk cafe, we enjoyed a relaxing stroll on the beach.
(Of course, we had to share the sand with thousands of other people! But don't their umbrellas splash lovely drops of color onto the landscape???)

We enjoyed watching the kids playing in the waves.

And then we walked along the sidewalks, popping into each and every little shop and alley! We had a great, leisurely time "just looking!" Oh yes, there was the stop at Coldstone, too, for some yummy ice cream!

And just before closing time, we walked through this fun little garden and patio shop. So many cute things to look at and enjoy! It was the perfect store to end our time at Seal Beach. Thanks, Kari for such a fun afternoon (and evening!)

2 comments:

Kari, RN said...

Thanks for the fun days on Friday and Sunday! I'm so glad I've gotten to live near you again so we can do fun stuff like this!

doug&margarethe said...

Looks like a great time with family and friends! Strolling the beach and people watching are fun! Glad you and Kari had this time together. Thanks for all you do for her!