Fabulous Fourth

I love the 4th of July! Not just because it signifies the beginning of my birth month, but because it is a true summer holiday- lots of cookouts, fireworks, and playing out in the sun. We had a great time this year with a couple of 4th celebrations. They began Thursday night when Todd's work had a party complete with live band, free food, rock wall & other games and a spectacular fireworks show. The picture above was taken by one of Todd's co-workers. Pictured from left to right: Adam & Molly (Payt's crush); Heather & Derek; Payt on my lap (Todd and Luke were just to the right of me, not pictured).
On Friday, the 4th, Rusty & his extended family invited us up to his parent's house for their annual celebration. It was so nice to spend a relaxing evening with friends. Payt was doing his shy routine for Mitzi in the picture above. Both boys had a wonderful time playing with Hope and some of Luke's buddies from school. Luke made a new best friend in Rusty's dad since he let him help set up fireworks... Luke thought it was awesome and thought he was big stuff (he is!). Payt was a little concerned by some of the fireworks, but found solace on the lap of Hope's grandma.
Oh yeah, Luke & Payt drove their Gator over to the festivities, which they thought was really cool. And what's a post without a Luke & Hope picture???

Tonight we got to enjoy even more fireworks sitting on our front porch watching a neighbor's spectacular show down the road. I love July!

Also, a special shout out to my bro who is in Iraq... Happy 4th Buzz... we missed you! It's thanks to people like you (and Dad, Papa Stogsdill, Papa Tyler) that we can even celebrate this holiday. You rock.