Well, my Fourth of July week started out on a sad note . . . I decided to cancel my yearly exodus to Utah and stay home to help get our business ready to open. For the past 10 years I have made my way to Utah and enjoyed the beautiful weather and summer thunderstorms. (LOVE those!) But this year, I just had to make a choice and even though I missed seeing Kelsey dance in Stadium of Fire (for her 5th year in a row) I have been incredibly busy and am glad I was here to help.
Ever since Kelsey was a little girl, we had this little "thing" that I would say, "My Kelsey" and she would say, "My Mommy." I am so glad that she hasn't gotten sick of that or too old for that!
I went looking for Hailey the morning after Kelsey left and I found her asleep in Kelsey's bed. She said, "Mom, I just feel safe in Kelsey's room. (very insightful!) Plus, she has a really soft, fuzzy orange pillow!!
Kohler had some friends over this week from his EFY group. This one, in particular, has caught his eye. She is a doll! We absolutely LOVE her!!! Her name is Lexi. She helped Hailey make brownies!
Since I have always been out of town for the 4th, I didn't have any decorations. Well, we couldn't have that, now could we? So, check out these awesome fabric lanterns that I found at Rod Works for only $5!
Yummy Red, White, and Blue Crepe Breakfast! Oh yeah . . .
My awesome helpers getting our food ready for the big party!
I was super excited when Tim, my hilarious brother in law, called to see what we were doing on the 4th. He lives up in Scottsdale and his wife and kids are up in Utah (with Kelsey!). I am SO glad he called us because it was so much fun having one of my "faves" with us on the 4th of July. Speaking of faves, Tim is the biggest fan of deviled eggs and Mountain Dew I have ever seen. Of course I had to have those for him!
Another one of my "faves" - my awesome sister, Melanie (here in one of her signature goofy poses! ha ha!) - has her birthday on the 4th of July! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELANIE!!!
Kohler's EFY company got SO close during EFY that they named a Facebook page after their group, "GOT SERVED." They keep in touch and all got together for a party at our house on the 4th. It was awesome! They are all amazing kids and we LOVED having them over.
Of course, we broke out the ice and made a TON of shave ice for them!
Lexi and her awesome friend, Rachel!
I am so thankful to live in a country where we can get together with family and friends without soldiers or guards asking us where we are going or what we are doing. I am thankful that I can fly my nation's flag outside my home with pride for what it stands for. I love this nation and am so thankful to all of the men and women who, on a daily basis, strive to protect that freedom for me and my family. We are so truly blessed!
