Independence Day

Although not originally in the plans, we made it to Independence Day at Junaluska.  Eleanor got a kick out of all her patriotic swag, and Caleb was mesmerized by the fire truck and float action at the parade.  Eleanor also lucked out on the candy loot this year, filling up an entire Ziploc of sweets.  After the parade concluded, we wistfully said farewell to Gaga and Grandaddy-O and started our drive home... with lots of new and beautiful Family Circle memories.

We made it back in time to watch the D.C. fireworks, but the haze from the storm made them too hard to see clearly.  Maybe we'll have better luck next year.

Happy 4th!

This Independence Day began with a... lot... of... rain.   Our dollhouse-sized townhome created some stir crazy firecrackers eager for some good ol' fashion red, white, and blue fun.  Thankfully, we got some freedom from the storm and were able to enjoy the neighborhood association's celebration.  

There were plenty of sweet treats and games to keep us not only entertained, but high on sugar, too.  We (Eleanor, mostly) enjoyed hula hooping, frisbee, and bouncy house.  Most memorable moments included Eleanor getting her face painted like a purple cat and Caleb being awarded "Most Mellow" in the cutest baby contest.  

We really couldn't have asked for a better or more American end to what started as a very wet Fourth!

Eleanor really got into the jumping and was laughing out loud.

Love My O Gals

Val helped E compete in the frisbee contest, and E won for her age group.

Eleanor was so still for her painting, and her face completely lit up when she saw herself in the mirror.

Meow

Double Fistin' It and Lovin' Life

Playground Time with Gaga

Showing Eleanor How It's Done

July 4th

We like to take this day to give thanks to God for the many freedoms our nation enjoys.

We also like to take this day to proudly wave our American flags and eat our share of parade candy.

Loving her flag and lollipop.

It's Independence Day!

Eleanor Claire's First 4th of July

This Independence Day was filled with lots and lots of raindrops.  However, we did get a reprieve lasting just long enough for the annual Junaluska parade.  Flags in hand and candy sacks waiting to be filled, we were more than ready to welcome the fire truck, floats, and streamer-taped vehicles.

Due to the storms and a down power line, the electricity was out at our cabin for hours on end.  Sadly, we were forced to postpone our annual Fourth feast.  However, just as we were packing to leave for a restaurant, the lights were illuminated.  That meant we were back on for a late evening celebration at Family Circle!

To top the night off, Kyle and I snuck away to see the fireworks show at the lake.

The Whole Gang