Celebrating at Papa's

We celebrated Independence Day and Mama Flo's birthday with some of Daddy's side of the family last week. Grilling the hamburgers and hot dogs Eating home-made ice creamOur little friend Bethany was with us and she and our cousin Allie had fun playing together. Here they're walking down the rows of soybeans in front of the house.

Playing "Follow the Leader" Visiting on Papa's porch ~ Mama Flo, Melissa, and Aunt Jeannie Daddy and cousins, Don and Elaine Cousin Lori brought some fireworks for the little ones.

Uncle Larry and David lighting the fireworks Allie, Sarah, and Braden (Lori's little friend) are ready to watch.

Boom!!!!!

"That was loud!"

Riding the tricycle Bethany gets a ride The little ones enjoyed watching this turtle that we found.He wasn't very happy about being caught. David held this piece of grass up to his mouth and he hissed and bit it! A baby frog!

Playing "Hide-'n'-Seek"Allie rolls the ball to David :)Mama Flo shows one of her birthday presents to Allie.Happy Birthday, Mama Flo!

The 4th of July

We decorated our produce stand and sign with flags for the 4th.

Red, White, and Blueberry Bars for dessert!

On Independence Day we can't forget to celebrate The War For Southern Independence! :)

Yesterday evening we went to the Selmer Park for the July 4th festivities.

Some of us played in the community band patriotic concert.

David played the bass drum! (It belongs to the high school.)

David and Daddy taking the drum up to the stage

Anna, Jonathan, and Amanda warming up

This is what the percussion section used for the Liberty Bell on the "Liberty Bell March"!

Daddy and Jonathan (and David in the back) getting ready to play

The band played several patriotic pieces.

After the band performed, we watched a slideshow of pictures to honor local veterans. Deborah took this shot as our grandfather's picture appeared on the screen.

The fireworks display was scheduled next, but during the slideshow, it started to storm! Everyone grabbed their lawn chairs and ran for their cars. We needed rain so badly no one cared that we didn't get to see fireworks this 4th of July.

Celebrating Independence

God bless America,

Land that I love.

And the Star Spangled Banner in triumph shall wave,

O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave.

America, America,

God shed His grace on thee!

Hurrah for the flag of the free!

May it wave as our standard forever.

One nation under God,

With liberty and justice for all.

This is my country, land of my birth,

This is my country, grandest on earth!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land,

Praise the Power that has made and preserved us a nation.

O beautiful for heroes proved in liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved, and mercy more than life!

Long may our land be bright

With freedom's holy light

And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free,

And I won't forget the men who died, and gave that right to me.

You're a grand old flag, You're a high flying flag,

And forever in peace may you wave.

From every mountainside

Let freedom ring!

Happy 4th of July!

"Proclaim liberty throughout all of the land unto all the inhabitants thereof..." Leviticus 25:10