Stars, Stripes, and Love

 

I truly enjoyed our 4th of July. It was a beautiful day spent with people I love. We went on a hike up to the waterfalls. Colin and Meli had so much fun. It has been about a year since we had been to this waterfall. I enjoyed seeing the difference in how Meli handled the terrain. She did so much better. She was still my little buddy in the freezing cold water. Meli really wanted to touch the waterfall, but the water was pretty deep for her. I was able to get underneath it. So beautiful!

 

Hiking buddies

 

 

Our hiking leader

Daddy & his girl

The falls

My little buddy

Going on an adventure

It was so cold

the brave ones

I found a very pretty rock that I really, really wanted for our yard. Normally, I do not take things from nature, but I loved this one. So, we were told that if you say a blessing it balances it out. As we were leaving, Will was carrying my rock (a good size one) and I was saying my blessing. During which, I tripped twice and Meli fell down three times. Then further up, we kept hearing this sound similar to a door screeching. I looked up and noticed a thin, very tall tree swaying drastically. It was the only one doing so and it was not windy. Needless to say, Will put the rock down and we kept moving on. No more trips after that! Mother Nature - we got the message.

Beautiful nature

Later on, we headed to P-pa and Mi-Ma's for a BBQ. The kids always have so much fun at their house. P-pa let the kids light the briquettes with candles. Helping Meli of course. They thought that was the coolest. Meli even said, "this is so cool!"

P-Pa & the kids

We had a great day with family, enjoying great food and desserts. Followed by a firework show (from the races) and some of our own. Will said I am not allowed to pick the fireworks next year. Apparently, the ones I picked out were not very exciting. To my credit, the kids were with me and, of course, wanted  the tanks and turtle shaped ones. At least the kids liked them. All I need is the poppets. I love poppet wars!

Daddy and Colin

My loves

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe 4th of July!!