Friends, Food, Fun and Fireworks!

This Fourth of July was a fun one! A holiday on a Friday is always a bonus! Our events started at 1:00 when we met a friend from High School, Jeremy Nussbaum and his family at Applebee's. They live in Tennessee and don't make it up here often, though we stay in touch through MySpace and Facebook, so it was a pleasure to spend time together as families. The kids all behaved very well! After that, we made a few stops at the shops. I almost forgot it was even a holiday, as everything was open! We had volunteered to help setup for the events our church was sponsoring at the Fireworks in town. So we went to the church and helped fill coolers and pack chairs and tables. Then we went down to the festivities and helped set things up.

Our big event for the evening was a cookout at Nick and Vicki's house. We were supposed to be there at 6, and after only one turn around for forgotten things, we got there a little after 6! We enjoyed a wonderful evening of food and fellowship with our friends. The kids had a great time!

They had a sprinkler and kiddie pool ready for the kids. No matter how much they were shivering... they loved it!
The guys had a great time with Corn Hole.
Vicki had prepared some fun crafts for the kids to do. Taylor and Toby enjoyed that, while Drew was collecting Lightning Bugs!
They also had a sand table that Toby just loved playing with!
Then of course the big event of the evening, the Fireworks!
This was Toby's first time to see the Fireworks and he really liked them. He kept saying "popcorn". I think the big bangs made him think of popcorn popping in the microwave! He was a little scared by the finale, but he'd tuck up in my arms, and then turn his head just enough so he could still see. I savored it!
As I sat there and held him, I recalled very clearly the fireworks last year. We were also at the Cleveland's last year, and we had just found out that Toby was coming home. I remember sitting and talking with my friend, and fellow adoptive mother, Becky about how our lives were about to change! The excitement I had nearly a year ago is still overflowing! God has blessed us so much!

And it wouldn't be a celebration of our Independence, without a shout out to our service men and women who continue to provide us with it! I am so grateful for the sacrifices of so many! We would not have our freedom, if it were not for those who have given it all for us. Words are not sufficient a thank you! Praying that all those in harms way are protected and brought home safely to their families and loved ones, in God's timing!

God is Good!