We really enjoyed our first 4th of July in our new small community.  At breakfast, BW was giving the kids a small version of "What Independence Day is all about".  As he was talking, he stopped and looked out the sliding glass door and said "There's a hot air balloon in our backyard. "  Of course, that cleared the table pretty quick.  One of the traditions in our community is the hot air balloons on 4th of July.  This year, they went Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning.  Saturday morning, BW woke us up and drove us down the street where we could get a better look.  It was really cool and the day couldn't have been more beautiful or the sky so blue.  I once again exclaimed(which my kids get tired of hearing) "I can't believe we get to live here!"  We even got to watch one land on our street and see them squeeze the air out.

After breakfast, we went to watch the parade which included everything from horses to classic cars to riding lawnmowers:)  Then we walked around the park where booths and tents were set up and there was a civil war reenactment camp including a cannon that we got to watch and cover our ears to hear!  We enjoyed a nap in the afternoon and then went to a friends' house for a BBQ complete with slip-n-slides and vollyeball tournaments(BW played pretty well considering he hadn't played in about 10 years!).   While there, we asked about the fireworks show in town.  There were conflicting views.  Some decided it was just too much of a mob and created too much traffic to bother to go.  Some said it was a must to go and sit on the football field.  Some had found a spot in a parking lot several blocks away where they could watch them.  We opted for this middle ground and met some other families there.  

Saturday, we surprised my Dad with a 60th Birthday Party at my parents' house complete with BBQ and swimming.  At the beginning of June, my dad sent out an e-mail telling us that he did not need or want any gifts for Father's Day or his birthday.  Because his birthday is June 23rd, we all called him on his birthday, but no one gave him a gift.  He was so pleased that we had listened to him, but actually, we had been planning the party for a while now.  He didn't realize it was a surprise party for him until his friends started arriving.  It was great to see all of my siblings and my nephew!  Unfortunately, I am out of "scrapbooking" mode, and didn't get as many pictures as I would like to have.

Sunday, was our 12th anniversary.  BW announced it to the church from the pulpit.  Only thing was, that I don't know exactly what he said because I had to take 2yo out of church for "excessive babbling".  All I know is that people started coming up and saying "Happy Anniversary."   BW arranged for a babysitter, and we enjoyed a great dinner together followed by a walk.  Then after the kids went to bed, we watched our wedding video. 

Overall, we had a great weekend and feel incredibly blessed!

Blessings!

-J