Independence Day

We had a lovely Fourth of July celebration.  In the morning our church congregation had a flag raising and breakfast with patriotic music and talks.  We spent the afternoon and evening at the lake with some dear friends and their extended family.  Beautiful sunny weather, not too hot, not too cold.  S and G got to try inner tubing for the first time and loved it!   J took all three kids out in the paddle boat.  There were water guns, splashing in the water, trucks to play with on the beach, the usual awesome potluck dinner and great conversation.  S had a wonderful time playing with a buddy for hours.  G took a second turn out on the boat and back on the tube.

We all ate way too much dessert (flag cake, lemon bars, cookies, brownies, angel food cake with berry sauce and whipped cream, and even some smores.  Yummy!)  We came home before the big fireworks for Baby J to go to bed.  Big kids and Dad went back out to watch the fireworks and light a few that were left over from last year.  And now summer has officially arrived -- sunshine and warm weather.  Too bad we spent today lazing around the house recovering since the kids were all exhausted from all the fun yesterday.

 G in the morning at the flag raising patriotic breakfast.

 Armed and ready for action.

 J was delighted with the construction trucks and gravelly sand.

 S was delighted to have a friend to shoot water guns at - a friend who didn't complain, and would just shoot back.

G is on the tube with two friends.