After our nice, relaxing afternoon, we headed out to visit some friends we haven't gotten together with in several years. They gave us a tour of their beautiful home that overlooks the sound and then we all headed to Whidbey Island and set up our chairs on the beach for the fireworks display. It had rained earlier in the day, so we covered the chairs with plastic (thanks to Janet who thought of everything) and then enjoyed some beach exploration and the carnival.
Janet and Don brought some great toys and Janet got busy playing with the kids. They had a great time. Unfortunately, Christine wasn't able to join us as she was not feeling well that day.
Our plastic covered chairs. We had a great view for the fireworks display later that night.
Fish....there were fish in the water. Imagine that!
My friend, Janet. God brought her into my life at a very dark time. She helped me through one of the most difficult experiences I have walked through, provided protection and fun for my older girls and me, helped us find our smiles and joy again after many years of chaos and abuse. She was the maid of honor in our wedding and our wedding coordinator and she and Don hosted the reception. She is a go getter!
Love the little photo bomber hee hee.
Boys love guns and experience has taught that they will see a gun in pretty much any object with a similar shape.
Don and Janet surprised the kids and gave them each money for rides at the carnival. Our kids were thrilled!
Levi is finally tall enough to go on the "big" rides and the expression on his face here, kind of says it all about how he felt about it. Dad's expression? Hmmm..........I will leave that up to the interpretation of the viewer. :)
The firework display was incredible!
You can't have a holiday celebration without at least one picture of food, right? This is the gluten free pasta salad we enjoyed with our steaks earlier in the afternoon. I sautéed onions, mushrooms and apples in coconut oil to top the steaks and we had a delicious green salad, loaded with goodies and of course.....watermelon!
We are continually aware of the beauty and privilege we have in this country to embrace freedoms so many fought and died for that some countries do not have. Celebrating Independence Day always includes a time of prayerful thanksgiving, reminders of the freedoms we have and remembering those who have served this great country including my husband, my uncle, many dear friends and my Dad. We have much to be thankful for!
