Fourth of July fun!

I am grateful for my country and for the freedoms that I have and for those who have fought for me to have all I have. I am grateful for my family and the love they have for me. I am grateful for the blessing my God has given me and those he will, yet give to me.

Now that I got that out there here is a blurb of our weekend.

We got to Huntsville, AL on Friday night. We went to go see Aunt Karen and her puppies. James loved the dogs. He thought they were pretty cool, but most of all he loved the dog toys. For dinner we all went out for Chinese food. It was good. Then it was off to the hotel for night. It took a while for the kids to fall asleep. James slept in his own bed by himself.

The next morning after breakfast we went over to the duck pond for a walk. It was nice that Adam's family had the same idea so we meet them out there. The ducks were so funny. They nibbled everything they thought to be food, even James and Grandpop's shoes. Elizabeth squealed at them. After our park adventure we were off to Auntie Karen's again. It was time for the annual Water Displacement Competition (basically, they all cannon ball into the pool and see who makes the biggest splash). Only this year the pool was not quite filled with water due to a repair so we played in it and tried to make splashes. James slipped into the deeper part and scared everyone, but he was fine. Elizabeth loved the pool and splashed her little heart out. I think she even got a tan. After our swim fun we hurried and got ready to go to the Huntsville Stars baseball game. James thought that was really cool. He kept saying, "Ball, ball. Mama baseball!" It was really cute. Elizabeth and James enjoyed the fireworks. He had me cover his ears and she just watched it. She cried a little, but this kid behind us was crying so it was sympathy tears.

Today we went to church with everyone. That was nice except my kids are always a little bit crazier on Sundays its like a habit. I know some of you can relate. James went into nursery real easily and Elizabeth really needed a nap. It was a good thing Grandmom got her to sleep for a little while. After church we headed over to Auntie Jeanne and Jaynne's house for dinner. The kids got to see their Great Grandparents, but Elizabeth was really tired so she didn't want to go to anyone. She warmed up after a while. It was good to see everyone. I wish we could have spent more time talking, but the kids were so tired. We got back to the hotel and took a two and a half hour nap. After our nap we headed over to Jay and Morayma's car wash to shoot off Boom Booms! (fireworks). James got to hold Sparklers. His Auntie Karen helped him. He thought she was pretty cool. He even got to help carry some of the big boom booms to their launch site, not my idea, but he learned quickly to run once the thing was lite. He didn't go up close to the lighting spot, but he went up with the "big boys." Elizabeth was not phased by the loud sounds or bright lights she just sat watching everything. It was great!

I had a wonderful time and I am sad to see the weekend come to a close. I will miss everyone. I wish I could say we would come back soon, but I am sure it won't be again until next year. Everyone here is so nice and makes me feel so welcome!

I love having family, even if they are not my blood family, near by. It is always a good feeling to know that someone loves you. A little part of my heart will stay here in Huntsville. I can't wait until we can some back!