Great Grandma's house

I organized a little get together one Sunday evening at my grandparents house for all my cousins and their families.  Most couldn't' come.  But that's ok.  My aunts came, so I appreciated that.  I love being at my grandparents house, just hanging out.  It is important to me that my children have some of those same feelings and memories. 

I love my grandparents.  They are a huge part of who I am.  I didn't realize their influence or impact on me until I was in my 30's.  I wouldn't be the woman I am today (or the mother I am today) if it wasn't for their constant influence in my life.  

 

Fourth of July

We had a wonderful 4th of July celebration at my parents house - despite the fact that we couldn't do fireworks. 

My dad had a shooting competition.

Each family came with 3 minute-to-win-it style games.  This was the first time my family has ever done any sort of "all together game" type thing and it was really.... fun.  It seemed crazy and no worth it at the time but on the drive home it was almost all of the kids' favorite thing about the trip.  (well... we do have mad ping pong tournaments) 

Then my mom handed out the Americana outfits she bought all the grandchildren.  They LOVE getting the shirts...

They love taking the pictures even more!!  Haha.

Then we ate a lot of yummy food!

More pictures...

Angie and my mom took these of Eve and Lottie.  They are so stinkin cute!

Then in leu of fire works we made smores.

Happy fourth!  My mom and dad always put one such great, memorable parties, that make us feel loved and wanted.