Thank GOD for our freedom!

So, have you noticed that nearly all celebration revolves around food? Well, 4th of July 2010 was no different. I wasn't sure what I first thought about the date falling on a Sunday but as the day drew nearer, I thought "how fitting that we celebrate our freedom as Americans while worshiping the Lord and Savior who offered us freedom from eternity in Hell!"

Our morning started out as any Sunday morning. Of course, the girls don't mind posing for pics but this time, Superman took one of me with them!

Our morning worship service was incredible! We took a special opportunity to honor the men and women in our church family who are and who have given of their time to fight to keep our country free. It was an incredibly moving time - especially to see those men and women (some well into their years) stand to straight with pride as their branch of the military was recognized. WOW!!! I am so thankful for people who are willing to serve our country and fight for my freedom and yours. A freedom we so often take for granted. And to their families, a VERY SPECIAL thank you for sharing them!

After morning service, we had an "old-fashioned picnic on the grounds." It was supposed to be complete with "old-fashioned" games and fellowship. Unfortunately, there was some confusion as to what all this meant and with the weather being rainy, it changed the plans a little bit anyway. But it was still a good time :-)

Then, after a few hours of resting at home (we were anticipating a late night, ya know!) we headed out to my sister-in-law's parents property in Arcadia. This has become an annual event and we really enjoy it! First, there is play time while the patriarchs of the family do the grilling.




And of course, there was "big kid playtime" too :-)

At first, Chloe was curious . . .
. . . But with the loud POP! she became unsure!

After dinner and more playtime, the sun finally started to set. Chloe and Grandpa played with sparklers while Josh went to set up the annual extravaganza we have affectionately named "the Josh Show." And then with a big thanks to Melissa, the kids (both big and small) had a blast with glow necklaces and bracelets while waiting!

Then , it was time for the show. As always, it was a "blast!" Thanks Josh for your love of fireworks to end a great evening!

So, the rain couldn't stop THIS party!

Chloe's party was SUPPOSED to be a fun time playing in the water . . . . sprinklers, water balloons, etc. However, God had other plans.

But that didn't stop our party! The day started out like any other.



Then, after a "quick trip" to the store (1st weekend of the month, holiday weekend and POURING rain) to pick up the cake and a few other items, I got home with just 45 minutes to get myself ready and fix the girls's hair. I think I cleaned up mighty nice, though! :-)

Now, I was really nervous about the cake because the bakery I ALWAYS use was closed for vacation all week. But, my back-up plan paid off. The cake was great and pretty cute, too :-)

Then, Superman grilled the hot dogs

While I took some pics of the birthday girl

THEN, family and friends decided to join in on the fun. Hot dogs and chips followed by cake and popsicles!










THEN the presents . . .

Yes, that's a quad . . . THANKS grandma and grandpa . . .

Clean up wasn't too bad, either. All in all . . . party was a success! I'm so grateful for family and friends who love my baby girl. I just still can't believe she is going to be 2 in just a few days!!!

We're gonna have a party!

PPPAAARRRTTTYYY!!!

Okay, so as to set the record straight right now, it's a kid-friendly party. It's actually to celebrate Chloe's upcoming birthday. She'll be 2 on the 8th (wow, really?)!

Now, in case you don't know this, we closed on our house and started getting it ready back in April. However, we have not gotten everything "ready" yet. For the first couple of weeks, we stayed in the apartment and came to the house every moment possible to do work (painting, cleaning, trim . . . ) and then moved the storage unit into the garage toward the end of May. Well, here it is the first of July and we are STILL unpacking things slowly but surely. So, when I say we're having to get ready for a party I really mean it! Thank God for Superman who doesn't mind cleaning and organizing. While some of the things he has done to "put things away" have been driving me crazy - like bringing in more boxes from the garage even though we still have several packed boxes in the house - he has been working super hard to turn the house into our "home." For that, I am grateful. So, he brings things in and puts it away while I'm cleaning up around and behind him. Thankfully, I have little elves that LOVE to help clean! Any chance you think it will stay that way? ;-)

Once everything had been cleaned and shopping had been done, these girls were ready to play!

(For those of you who are around my age, you may appreciate that this is Superman's original "My Buddy" that Hannah is playing with! Too bad I don't have a "Kid Sister!")

AND enjoy a home-made sour limeade with daddy (well, I'm not so sure Chloe "enjoyed" it!

So, she decided she needed a treat!

Then, they were exhausted. So, they went to bed while Superman and I kept working on getting everything ready. Since the party's at noon I thought I should have as much ready as possible!

This is about the extent of my creativity. I got the idea for having a popsicle party from my bestie. I got the idea of giving freezer pops as party favors from another birthday party we have been to. The ribbon - THAT's my idea of how to make it festive!! LOL

All in all, I think we're ready . . . Guess we'll see tomorrow!