A Fourth to remember

We had a wonderful Fourth of July.  One that will go down in the books as "best ever" for sure.  

We started off the day at the lake with our friends. 

If I am ever in need of a smile, I will think back to Eli in this life jacket.  His poor cheeks were smooshed and he was looking at me like, "Why, Mom? Why?"

It's amazing to see the people you spent your childhood with growing families of their own.  I can't believe we are populating another generation of sweet souls who are growing up together.

It was so much fun.

Max is usually timid around water, but he was in love with this beach.  We spent some time in the sand, some time on the water, but most of all we just soaked up this sweet time with friends.  I have known many of these people for 20 years, it's hard to believe, but incredible to think back over all of the memories and shared experiences. 

I think days like this are best captured with video, so here's a little summary of what our day was like...

After that we headed to our friends house for a BBQ.  Kids were running around everywhere, meat was crackling on the grill, and I just walked around joining in on the various conversations taking place. Someone had their thinking cap on and brought along glow sticks and confetti poppers for the kids.  There were no fireworks, but that Fourth of July spirit was alive and present.  I just kept thinking to myself,  " I am so grateful to live in this country, to know these people, to have this family." 

Somehow I managed to not take a single picture with my camera the whole day (pictures above are from my phone). I'm just going to have to hold on tight to these memories.