Our Beautiful Lilies

I just love this time of year when all of my golden lilies are in bloom. Too bad they don't last longer. I will enjoy them while I can though.

She Tried It . . .

And she LIKED it! There are only three foods that Stephanie really does not like: pickles, olives, and beets. I happened to pick some beets fresh from my garden on one of the days that Stephanie was here. I dared her to try a fresh beet - she had only had pickled, bottled beets which are much different than fresh. So, she took the dare and tried it and was surprised to find out that she thought they weren't so bad. We tried to offer up some kalamata olives and dill pickles, but she declined.
Not so sure
Tasting
Hey, Not too bad!
You were brave Stephanie! We love you.

Always A Fun Time With Aunt Stephanie

We have had such a fun past week or two. Our wonderful friend Stephanie was in town visiting for a little and we had so much fun being with her. Samuel and George just love her! Spending a little time outside.
Samuel being silly

The Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival

It has become a tradition in our family to wake up early to go to the hot air balloon launch that takes place around the fourth of July. This year we attended on July 5th. We usually ride our bikes there but this year we were all too worn out to ride bikes, so we just drove. It was still fun though.

I think there were even more balloons this year than last year.
Balloons getting all ready to launch
Samuel's favorite balloon this year was the soda bottle. It was HUGE!
The weather cooperated and the balloons were launched! It is always such an amazing sight to see so many colorful balloons in the air.

July Fourth Festivities

Having July 4th fall on a weekend makes for a long weekend of fun. Our neighborhood put together a fun little fourth of July party. It started with a parade for the kids, games, water balloon fight, bounce house, dunk tank, dinner and fireworks. We all had a great time!

Samuel had fun decorating his bike (really a tricycle - Jim's tricycle to be exact - so maybe it IS a few years old). We really need to get him a bicycle! He had fun anyway.

George got in on the action as well. Here he is gearing up for the parade - checking out someone else's push toy

Samuel and Charlie during the parade. They both got tired on the uphill portions of the route, but with a few extra pushes they made it!

Jim and Samuel taking their turn in the dunk tank

George of course loved hanging out at the entrance of the bounce house.

Katie and Jennifer taking charge of the snow cone machine. We also had soft serve ice cream.

Some of the water games. It was so organized too!

Samuel was not quite sure about the fireworks. He did hold this sparkler, but I think we scared him so much last year that he was terrified this year when the very large fireworks started.

Overall we had a terrific night. A huge thank you to the Myers, Partridges, Denney's and everyone else who did so much planning to make it all work. Can't wait to see what next year brings.