God Bless America

The Fourth of July usually takes us back to my hometown in Missouri where we celebrate Independence Day with some old fashioned games at the park just like I did when I was a kid. We were glad to be able to keep up the tradition by making a 10 hour drive (through the night) showing up on Friday morning. (Thank you Dave, for seeing me through my moment of hesitation when packing for six and the thought of 460 miles of confined togetherness, just seemed beyond my capabilities.) Dave and I spent most Friday, the 3rd, recovering from the drive while Grandma entertained the kids. (Sorry, Mom.) In the evening we gave Grandma some quiet time when Dave and I took the kids to the playground and out to Sonic for a treat. (Yes, that's about all there is to do there since cruising the strip isn't really our thing...anymore.)







I often think of how great it would be to have a cute picture of my four little angels together and I wonder why these photos are few and far between. But then I am quickly reminded.



On the morning of the fourth we aim to be at the park by 10 (since we never manage to acquire a frog or turtle for the 9 o'clock races) when the kids enjoy races like the sack race, egg on a spoon race, and egg and water balloon toss. No ribbons were won this year but memories of Olivia's hands covered in egg and Paul's face covered in water will serve as sufficient souveniers. The kids also liked playing on the playground equipment, while I chatted with my BFF from high school and scanned the crowed for old classmates and friends. So fun to see a child and think "that is a mini So-and-So" and watch as they end up going to Mom or Dad So-and-So. Did that make sense?

Here are some photos of the kids playing at the park. (I think Olivia was off trying to find out how she could register to be next year's Hannah Montana impersonator. Actually, she hopes to mix it up a bit by growing out her hair, bleaching it blonde and appearing as special guest Taylor Swift.)











And these were by far the cutest spectators...



The occasional drizzle of rain kept us from overheating during the morning and we went back to my Mom and Dad's for a delicious lunch of brisket, Mom's Marvelous Potato Salad, baked beans, and rolls. Birthday cake served as dessert as Mom and Dave celebrated another year.





Happy Birthday to the kindest mother and most loving husband a girl could have!

The highlight of our trip is often being able to see the cousins get together. This year we enjoyed being with Andy and Sara's family- Aubrey, Caleb, and Ainsley Dawn. (We missed Nate and Ella and Co.)



Andy brought a slip and slide and though the surf board action was apparently false advertising, the kids had fun getting wet, at first timidly...



until Uncle Andy and Dave showed the kids how it was done...

















Oops, that last one was a special pose just for me. Sorry girls.

Papa Griner braves being in the middle of 6 children ages 2-10 with a heavy stick when he hangs the pinata and very meticulously maintains security and order.









Caleb cares nothing for the candy, just wants to get his hand on a punching balloon.



Following, is the first photo I've taken of my neice Aubrey when she actually looked my direction. I was floored when she put her hand on her hip and gave me a little smile. I guess she is finally warming up to me after 5 years of seeing me sporadically.



Not pictured is a paddle boat ride on the lake, fireworks a la Dave and Uncle Andy, and the town fireworks show that evening.

The drive home on Sunday (during the day) proved to be much more of a challenge than that peaceful night's drive down, but we survived. Near Fulton, MO Dave gave us a brief history lesson on Winston Churchill and he and the kids visited a statue and part of the Berlin wall while I creatively handled a dirty diaper in the grass without wet wipes. That kind of makes for a stinky ending but that's about all I have to report for the weekend.



Wait! If you have gotten this far, I commend you. And you will be rewarded with a speech writen by our Livvy. She typed this on Grandma's computer the night before the festivities and meant to read it when we were all gathered but forgot. So she read it to us on the way home...

4th of July
by Olivia Hope

Fourth of July isn't about the fireworks, or the fun fireworks for kids. It's about our country. We celebrate for when our country was born and for our freedom.

I'd have to admit that I've gotten a little carried away... well a lot, but we should have honor for our country's freedom, and for the soldiers who have went to wars and risked their lives for our freedom and our country. So we need to give thanks for those who risked their lives. And "how can we do that?" you might ask. Let me answer that one...when you hear the star spangeled banner think of those who have done such a great thing and think for how hard we have had to go into battle, fight against an enemyand then help them in some kind of battle. We must give thanks for our nation's bravery, honesty, truth, and our nation's freedom. Think of our nation's great courage. I'd like to let you know that when you are listening or singing some of them think hard, think as hard as you can about our nation's freedom and birth.

And, really, if you've read this whole thing you must be a really true friend, or extremely bored. Let me give you a little heads up to reward you for your loyalty, or boredom. I am going to be hosting a Clairish giveaway on this blog very soon. So check back often 'cause I don't want you to miss it.