4th of July = Fun, Fireworks, and Family

This 4th of July was what all holidays should be like (minus the man-eating mosquitoes of course)... Being back in your hometown, surrounded by family and friends, watching cousins make memories, relaxing at the lake, no real schedules, sleeping in, letting Grandma and Grandpa spoil your kids, slowing the pace of life, and just enjoying each moment as is comes.

We traveled back "home" to South Dakota for the 4th and were so blessed to spend a week with both sides of our family. The kids were in heaven playing with their cousins, swimming at the lake every day, playing cards, visiting magical Storybook Land, and watching baseball on TV (a treat since we don't get any channels at our house). Paul and I were treated with a couple double dates with his brother Dann and wife Rachel, and it reminded us that we NEED to hire a babysitter more often because we enjoy each other so much more without all the kids in tow. It was so nice to just relax and visit with all our family members, to watch Nathanael get passed around and melt people's hearts with his dimpled chin and big grin, to watch with pride as our kids performed for "Grandma's Annual Piano Recital," to see the delight spread across their faces as they received golden trophies, to simply "be" and not worry about being anywhere or being something that you're not. There truly is no place like home, and although I deeply miss living near all our family, I guess the distance just makes it that more magical to visit.

Maria's entire family...everyone is smiling with their eyes open thanks to PhotoShop
:)

Joseph and Dominic enjoying a tranquil moment at the lake

Uncle Jon and Aunt Debbie playing UNO with Michael and Dominic (our two card sharks)

Joseph playing "Fur Elise" at the piano recital

Michael getting ready to play "Old Uncle Bill"

Dominic playing the last note of "Rain Rain Go Away" (this was his first year of piano lessons and he was quite proud of himself...can you tell?) :)

All the pianists showing off their new trophies (thanks Grandma!)

Paul and his brother Dann playing "hot box" with all the cousins

Mike and Jon trying to catch the mysterious fish that kept biting the top of their feet while they were moving the boat lift. It was quite hilarious to watch two grown men cry out in pain as they got bit, and then proceed to prove their manhood by trying to catch the culprit.

After a few more bites to their feet and expletives from their mouths, they finally found the perpetrator...a bull head protecting her eggs!

Dominic beaming with joy at the lake

All the cousins swimming before a thunderstorm chased them out of the water and ruined our plans for fireworks that night

Michael with a sparkler...they are fascinating at any age

Dominic with a sparkler, a bit concerned about those shooting sparks

Joseph surrounded by smoke bombs, hoping the smoke will keep the mosquitoes away

Joseph, Elizabeth, and Dominic in awe at the fireworks lighting up the sky

I hope your summer has been a blast too!