Ummm...I mean, the 4th

Okay, so I screwed up my last two posts. Thankfully, my sis set me straight. All 4th of July festivities were celebrated on Saturday, the FOURTH of July, 2009! And, on to the fireworks...

After the baptism party, we got everyone changed into their long pants, long-sleeved shirts and jackets (it's Michigan...COLD at night...even in the summer!). We drove up to Port Hope for fireworks...an annual tradition in our family. Marv always mows a little bit of the field next to the old farmhouse where he grew up so that we can gather (on the eve of his birthday!) and have our own private party, and a great view of the show. This was the first year without Diane, which was difficult, at first, but turned out to be a great evening of celebration while we all shared memories of the numerous times that many of us had stayed at Marv and Diane's home. It was a great night, and, I think, just what Marv needed on his first birthday weekend without Diane.

Notice the spit up on Mom's shoulder...job hazard...goes along with the "Grandma" title.

The kids were in love with the setting for the fireworks...another green space for them to run and play. Sam barely cried this year (as opposed to the disaster that was last year's show) and actually seemed to enjoy them a little. Caleb had his first few sips of pop, which led to much entertainment for the adults as the caffeine kicked in! I have no idea whether Owen enjoyed the actual fireworks because that kid never stops moving! Grace snuggled up with Aunt Julie and enjoyed the whole show.

Sam and Garrett. Bless Garrett...Sam follows him around like a puppy. At the fireworks, Sam kept asking him, "Will you look after me?" As if he was neglected by his parents or something! I would actually pay Garrett to come down and go to church with us every week, though! At the baptism mass, Sam wanted to go sit by him, and the kid sat like an angel for the whole service!

Graham

After Caleb's first experience with pop...Nate had to finally contain him for a few minutes! :)

After the display was over and we were all around the campfire sharing stories, Kris overheard Grace and Caleb, who had gone outside the circle to sit in a couple of lawn chairs that were still set up facing where the fireworks had lit up the sky just a few minutes earlier. He came and got me and we eavesdropped...it was so cute to listen to the cousins chat! Grace said, "Let's talk about our swimming lessons." And they proceeded to tell each other about blowing bubbles in the water and kicking their feet and so on. Precious.


Thanks, Marv, for a great evening!