So, it's me again.

I have yet another disclaimer. I don't know how to get the pictures from the camera to the computer...so you will notice this is a picture from two years ago. If Janet doesn't already have it on the computer...it won't be on the blog.

I wanted to get on and plug in my two cents about the 4th. Janet's Grandpa died last week, so we threw the kids in the van and traveled up to the cold country for a weekend of ups and downs. We spent Thursday morning at the funeral, followed by a trip to a Veterans Cemetery. This was a great experience for me to teach my kids about the brave men and women who have died to keep us free. I teared up a few times as the Color Guard played taps, fired the 21 gun salute, and folded the flag. I took C.J. aside, and explained to him what they were doing every step of the way.

We took the opportunity to stay at Brad and Jagaa's house this weekend. The kids had an absolute BLAST playing with cousins their own age. Little Abby chased C.J. around all weekend, copying everything he did. Amanda was the group mother. She got up and cooked pancakes and eggs for everyone, and even cleaned up the mess afterwards.

When it was time for the fireworks, we congregated at the Mom and Dad's place for a Bar-B-Q and then went to Micks house for the fireworks show. I was sure to wear closed toe shoes this year, because I was a monkey's uncle a couple of years ago and got a hot firework spark stuck between my toes!

Dave made the comment that it was quite a joy having someone with ADLAK (Attention Deficit... Look A Kitty) lighting the fireworks. I couldn't sit still, so I had 3 or 4 screamers going at the same time. We even got the neighbors out to watch our masterful production.

The weather was absolutely AMAZING! We left the 110 degree heat of the desert to enjoy a nice cloud cover and a breezy 85 degree evening.