July 4th Weekend

July 2009.

We spent the July 4th weekend in North Carolina

with Aunt Sara and Grandma Ruth Ann.

We went to a pottery studio where each kid (and Aunt Sara) chose a piece of pottery and then painted it. Josh chose a dog dish that he'd like to use as a cereal bowl.

Christy painted a plate in pink and yellow.

Grandma Ruth Ann helped Lauren paint her plate as well.

Aunt Sara made a platter with the kids' handprints (and Justin's footprint).

Lisa and I walked through downtown Southern Pines

while the rest were finishing up their painting.

Patriotic pretzel sticks.

Josh and Christy decorated the cupcakes in red, white and blue.

Josh and Aunt Sara went roller blading up and down the street.

Justin explored Aunt Sara's mailbox.

Grandma Ruth Ann and Christy picked tomatoes.

Mulching the front of Aunt Sara's house.

Justin on a "trike-ride."

Then we went for a walk around a local lake.

Grandma Ruth Ann pointed out fish and turtles to the ladies.

Justin really wanted to get his feet wet.

The six of us - and my water bottle.

A deer joined us on our hike.

During quiet time, Josh sat in Aunt Sara's hammock and read.

Lauren loved the fresh corn on the cob.

Grandma Ruth Ann, Lauren and Christy all sharing an ear.

Justin and his first birthday cupcake.

Justin enjoyed digging in.

mmm.

Then we enjoyed a game of bocci ball.

Justin searched for more objects to put into his mouth.

To close our day, we watched the fireworks show together.

Lauren enjoyed cuddling up to Grandma Ruth Ann.

After Sunday dinner, Justin tried to get at Josh's cupcake.

Justin opened more birthday gifts...

... with help, of course.