Independence Day

John and I have been fortunate throughout our lives to develop some very deep, very meaningful friendships, many of which have now stretched into their second decade of existence. We got to spend the holiday weekend with some of those friends on John's side. We have certainly been blessed by the friendship of Dan and Kate Bredbenner, Kevin and Liz Hass, and Brent and Wendy Vallee. While all of them (with the exception of Wendy) were John's friends first, they embraced me into the circle and quickly became my friends as well. We are truly blessed to have these people in our lives!

We were all able to spend an entire week together last year, but with many scheduling difficulties this summer, we opted for a nice long weekend in Newport News, home to two sets of families from our circle. With the addition of two babies in very recent months, it made for some interesting times! The two days we got to spend there were filled with playing, a church picnic, swimming at the local pool, wild and crazy mealtimes (Brennan was so tired by the last evening that he fell asleep in the middle of eating dinner!), and lots of good time catching up. One highlight (among many) was that Owen, at 9 weeks old, rolled over for the first time. Not just once, mind you, but three times! He hasn't repeated the feat yet, but it's just more evidence that he sure is growing up fast!

Owen's all packed and ready to go!

Uncle Kevin getting some Owen-love

Aunt Wendy with the boys

The glo-sticks were a big hit. Brennan kept collecting them from the other kids when they were tired of them, and then he slept with them right next to his bed!

Happy first Independence Day, Owen!

The crowd all watching Uncle Dan's backyard fireworks display

Loved the fireworks!

Yes, we did allow our 2.5 year old to hold a sparkler! But Daddy carefully guided his hand the whole time.

On a 90+ degree day, the pool was an incredible treat!

"...there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother." Proverbs 18:24