Holiday Weekend Recap

I apologize for the lack of updates recently. Our household has been recovering from ear infections, stomach flu, and a bad back (of yours truly). All is grand now so let the blogging continue. :-)

This weekend we celebrated the Fourth of July, not by going on a big trip, but by enjoying our family and friends that live relatively nearby. It was fairly peaceful (minus the sound of fireworks) and that was just fine with us.

On Thursday we spent the day with Grandma Sue and Grandpa Mick at their house. As I am writing this I can't remember what we did besides play outside with their puppies and soak up the sun.

Sophie and the puppies (this was after a game of tug-of-war with her "silky" as the rope)

Friday was a busy day. It started with cookie baking followed by a cookie delievery to Dialysis. At Dialysis (where my grandpa spends Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) Tyler has made a friend, Howard. It has been fun watching this relationship grow. Tyler gets eager to visit with Howard (who is in his 80's, I believe) and Howard always has some spare change to give Tyler for a treat. Our visit on Friday was multipurpose. We went to say "hi" to my grandpa (and grandma who happened to be there too) and to bring Howard some cookies. Our stay was short, but it was meaningful.

After Dialysis we stopped at the "fun McDonalds" and the kids had lunch a played for a while. It was amazingly quiet in the play area and Sophie even got in on the play action. For dinner we ventured to the county park and had a picnic (complete with PBJ sandwiches, chips, and watermelon), took a short stroll, and played on the equiptment. We didn't watch fireworks that night (Tyler, Sophie, and I went to see fireworks at my grandparents house during their cities festival a week ago - the grin on his face is priceless), but we did enjoy some sparklers in the driveway.

Mom and Sophie swinging at the park.

Dad with his crew on the swings.

Tyler doing the monkey bars.

Dad and Tyler watching the sparkler (and yes, we had a safety conversation before doing this).

My excited little man before the fireworks began (6.28.08). I love this grin!

The fireworks. Not a great picture, but you get the idea.

Saturday we went back to my parents for a "day at the lake". The weather was perfect - warm, sunny, and breezy. During naptime three of us (minus Sophie) went to see Wall-E. It was a cute movie and a nice rest in the middle of the afternoon.

Today, Sunday, was a day at home. I love days at home when we are all together! The morning was spent doing some housework, followed by a trip to the grocery store, and then nap/rest time. Around 3:00pm we had company over for a visit and dinner. It was fantastic to visit with my sister and meet someone that has become important in her life. We shared a tasty dinner, complete with dessert, and casual conversation. A great day, that made the perfect end to a holiday weekend.

Mom, Sophie, and Auntie Lauren - photo courtesy of Tyler.