You're a Grand Old Flag

Fourth of July morning we all put on our red, white and blue.  Strategically placed streamers, pom pom's and glittery headbands were in place as we loaded up and headed out to the historic district... 

For my parents first "Temple" Fourth of July...

Having my entire family put on their happy faces so early in the morning says a lot.  I realize that they do it for these two little people who of course mean the world to me...

But on days like this I'm reminded of how much they mean to all of us...

We arrived as everyone was jockeying for their positions...trying to figure out where to stand...it was a little crowded...slightly dis-organized...hot...sticky...and for just a moment I really wasn't feeling this whole parade thing...

But then a little breeze blew and things started rolling along...

And it was fun...

Just like we had imagined it would be...

There were plenty of things to "snap" (most of the beautiful pictures on this post are courtesy of my sweet sis Jenny...click here to visit her site she is so talented)...

 We were surrounded by sweet old friends...

And some good looking new ones which made the day a lot more fun...

We marched and waved and then we sang...

We totally did.  We sang "You're a Grand Old Flag" at the top of our lungs at least five times and people dug it.  They laughed, they waved, I think a few even cheered...and I had the best time with my best friend...

As we neared the end of the parade route we passed Nate and my dad (who acted a little embarrassed, but I know he was secretly loving it)...

Emme was happy to be re-united with her favorite guy...

It was the perfect "First" Fourth of July...

The parade may have been over but the fun wasn't...

Emme opted for a sno-cone...

Carter went the cotton candy/cookie route...

Sweets to celebrate the birthday of our home sweet home...

Her flag hung proudly...

As people chatted about small town things...

Like football...

And the weather...

I would be lying if I said we would have marched...sang...or maybe even showed up if it hadn't been for these two...

But I'm so glad we did...

It was one of those mornings that I'll remember as being really happy...

And a little sweaty...

But mostly just happy...

I love America (really I do) but there's something I love more...these people right here...

The End.

Easy Like Sunday Morning

Sunday morning at my Mama's house starts off with bacon sizzling in an iron skillet.  Sleepy eyed little girls find a spot at the table with men eager to head off for a game of golf...

With stomachs full and the guys out of the house Roxi breaks out the polish and paints her way into tiny hearts...

Then it's off to the "studio" where little hands can create...

With so many things to keep my munchkin's busy I had a little time to snap a few pics of my Mama's new house.  It's the sweet home of these two lovebirds...

No longer Cougars...we're in Wildcat Country now...

You would never know my parents had only lived here a little over a week...

Everything is already beautifully decorated...

And so inviting...

In true "Roxi" fashion there is something to catch your eye everywhere you look...

Everything was in its place...

Except for these two...

They were swimming in the living room...

My girls are so lucky to have such sweet people to spend time with...

Lyndsay and Carter became best buds (Aunt Jenny was a crowd favorite as well)...

After a few intense rounds of knock-out on the driveway basketball goal we decided to let Carter take a dip in the pool...

She managed to talk Uncle Clint into joining her...

It was a perfect way to beat the heat...

No one can make me laugh quite like Carter in a goofy mood...

And on this particular afternoon she was in rare form...

Until she got just a little bit out of control...

Don't worry...

It would have been impossible to wipe the smile off her face...

Stay tuned...by the end of our weekend my mama had the whole family marching in the town parade!

Emme had a little dog...

We spent Fourth of July breaking in my parents new home.  It is beautiful, cozy and I can already feel all the wonderful memories that will be made there.  


While they have been "homeless" for the past three months we've been dog sitting for them.  Minus the 36 hour period when we thought Abby was lost forever it was a wonderful experience...  

The girls loved having them around and got pretty attached.  
Emme formed a special bond with her furry little friends because they quickly realized she was a crumb dropping machine.  When they were all reunited this past weekend things picked up right where they had left off.


Emme had a little dog...

Their coats were salt and pepper...

And everywhere that Emme went...

The dogs would follow after...

Which was very entertaining for the rest of us as we sat and enjoyed my parents fabulous backyard.  It was the first of what I'm sure will be many opportunities to cookout...

It was smokin' hot (just like Nate)...

But no one seemed to mind a little sweat...

Especially Emme who found a cup of ice does wonders for keeping you cool...

And just in case you had forgotten...she is still the cutest baby you have ever seen (not that I'm biased or anything).  What??  You don't believe me well...




Wait for it...
















BAM!!

Carter was completely oblivious to the triple digits.  She had important things to do, like set up shop in her new fort...

It was the perfect place for little feet to play...

A great night to kick off our fabulous weekend...

More to come...

Happy Birthday America

You are 235 years old and still beautiful...