4th of July Celebration

It was awesome.  I've only been at work full time less than a week and I get my first paid holiday.  Independence Day fell on Friday this year... Finally a day to sleep in.

Mark and I really didn't feel like there was much difference in the morning ... Robert still had XC and soccer and Marissa has XC.  Marissa had to work from 1:00 pm to. 6:00 so we decided to have dinner after she got home. 

Although it is nice to have a day off and time to spend with family it is most important to take time to appreciate our country and the freedoms that we have.  Having lived outside the USA I really appreciate all the freedoms we have and are blessed with - most importantly the freedom to worship!!!

Mark and Robert enjoyed a challenging game of tennis up at the club.  Robert is getting really good!!

Betsy grilled steaks on the outdoor grill.  We had a delicious dinner of amazing steaks, baked potatoes, garden salads and cressents.  

Mark and Robert went to work out after a break after dinner and Betsy went to finish sewing the articles for Jessica.  She finished the white eyelet dress and the white and blue skirt.  She will mail them to Jessica in the Philippines tomorrow.  

Marissa was invited and went to a friend's from work.  There were a group that met over there.  They set off fireworks for a while and then the boys left and the girls watched "Frozen."  Betsy stayed up until 2:30 am waiting for her to come home, but right around that time Marissa asked if she could just sleep over.  She had a wonderful time with her friends.

Our neighbor, Jeff Emonz puts on one of the best "home" firework shows.  He has for years.  Everyone in the neighborhood really enjoys them.  He actually did his fireworks on July 3rd this year since he was going to be out of town on July 4th.  We are so grateful for his hospitality.  Well, tonight one of the fireworks went right into our front door - CRAZY!  Luckily there wasn't any damage.  The show was fantastic.  My favorite photo is of Marissa and Mark laying on the blanket watching the fireworks.

my favorite photo