Holiday Bonding

July 3rd came with yet another busy weekend. Brad, Faith, and Helen came to town for the day, to swim, eat, and then attend church with us because Fellowship was having a festival and fireworks show.

Brylee has been very timid of her uncle Brad, much like her (great) uncle Bill, and this day was a big step for her. While she was entertaining herself, she was picked up and put into Brad's lap, facing outward. It took her a while to realize whose lap she was in, and by that time, she had gotten used to it. And...no crying from Brad, either!
Good job Brad and Brylee!!

Around 5:30 we had made the decision to leave Brylee with her Oma and Opa while we went to church (for one, it was pouring rain; for two, we started wondering if the fireworks would have been a bad experience for her being so young), and went to church, where they are having their Going To The Movies series. Free popcorn--YES!!!!

After the service, we walked outside to check out the activities and found that there were more people than desired flowing towards the games and food. I think twice as many people were here than at the service. So we made a great decision to go to dinner and go back to the church for the fireworks. So the great decision for dinner was made: Cracker Barrel!!!!

Of course, who can resist breakfast when they go to a place that serves pancakes morning, noon, and night? Apparently none of us can!

After eating, Helen and I went to play a game of Checkers (my first time playing in years!) while Cary, Brad, and Faith had a conversation...I think I got the better deal!

When it was time to start thinking about the fireworks, we hopped into the car and started driving around, trying to decide what the best place to watch the show was.

Just as Cary was getting close to the church and finding the perfect location, the first firework was shot into the air. So he pulled over on the side of the road, Helen popped her head out of the top of the Volvo, Brad and Faith stuck their heads out the backseat windows, and I let my camera capture some excellent shots!

I am almost very serious to tell you that we were about a foot ball field away from where they were shooting off! We could see them pop out of the pipes, and the fire trucks sitting nearby. It was the best location to watch, and about half-way through the show, other cars were parking around us, apparently realizing the same thing...

What a great way to spend our evening with the family! Thank you Brad, Faith, and Helen for going to the service with us and enjoying the spectacular light event!