July 4th weekend in review

As we get older, the holidays have become something a little different to me. With our crazy busy lives...jobs, kids, housework, ad nauseum...it seems like we have a hard time carving out time in our regular schedules to hang out and just enjoy the company of our families. I just love spending time with my brothers, their families, and my parents. And so I'm thankful for holidays as a, built in excuse to drop everything else and spend time with one another.


Our 'second mom' Donna has hosted a 4th of July cookout for as long as I can remember. My brothers and her son, Caleb have been in charge of the fireworks and its become somewhat legendary every year to attend their show. This may be the last year as the old farmhouse and its gorgeous acres are for sale.
Everyone had a blast and as always, there was too much good food! Thanks guys for putting on such a great party!

The next night, we went to Symphony on the Prairie for the Star Spangled Symphony. What a gorgeous setting and crowd. Harry loved riding the tractor shuttle with Uncle Tommy.

If you haven't been to Conner Prairie, you're missing out on a gorgeous part of our city's cultural offerings. The view is magnificent, right in the middle of the city.

One of the highlights of the evening was the tribute to our veterans. They played the theme songs to each branch of the Armed Forces, and asked members who were in the audience to stand. Which was cool in and of itself, but then they also had period Revolutionary Soldiers stationed in the crowd who personally went and saluted each person who was standing. Very moving to have our family there and witness my brothers honored this way.

What a wonderful weekend. Hope you had a great one, too!