Day at the Beach...

July 4th Weekend

Picnics, fireworks, time spent with family and friends, reflecting on times past, the freedom of our nation and also the future - what God might have in store for us down the road. It's a wonderful time of celebration... it's Independence day.

A picnic at Josh's parents Thursday evening started our July 4th celebration. We enjoyed visiting with friends that we haven't seen in a while. My sister-in-law, Lydia made a fabulous meal for us including coffee cheesecake!

We had our annual little firework display for the children. They each take turns picking their own fireworks to light... it's a very special time for the children and fun for us parents to watch. =)

It had rained for a better part of the week... adding up to about three inches or so. God so graciously gave us perfect weather on Saturday, and so we enjoyed attending an outdoor wedding and reception.

What a nice time we had witnessing the marriage vows between Ashley and Jacob - two young people who love the Lord and are committed to serving Him. That is more and more a rarity these days. It was refreshing to say the least!

Ashley was a beautiful bride! (I have yet to see an ugly one) It didn't seem easy for Ashley's father to give her away - just like any father who just wants to hold on. I don't believe that the leaving and cleaving process was ever easy. Nonetheless, he did... and I'm sure he is trusting... knowing that God is the one who has joined them together and that this is his will. I believe it was him who said during the ceremony that he is not loosing a daughter, but gaining a son. =)

"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."

Anna and Becca enjoyed the cookies they served while the newly married couple were having pictures taken. They were good cookies too!

Lena, Kate, Liz and Hannah

Becca had fun taking a few pictures throughout the day.

My niece, Lena Joy

Cousins!


Ben trying out the sliding board

Saturday night Josh and I along with Anna, Becca, and our dear friend Hannah went to see fireworks. It was a really nice display... with lots of new things that I haven't ever seen. They set them off over the river... which made it even prettier seeing the reflection in the water. We had to park quite a ways away and ended up walking pretty far. It was very enjoyable though and the loss of sleep... worth every minute! =)