July 4th 2012 - Celebration - Finale

I would be remiss if I did not mention Bob and Dad.  I think we all sensed they were not with us to celebrate.  When the canon went off who possibly wouldn't have thought of how Uncle Robert used to let that thing rip...heard all the way down the pond.  He took it very seriously and no one was allowed to touch it.  Mark always stood behind him watching and assisting only when asked.  As the night drew nigh Mark would hold the flashlight for Uncle Bob to load the canon for one or two more "bangs".  This year I was happy it was Mark doing the honors...he deserved this honored position...he definitely didn't hold back on the gun powder!  I looked at the grill thinking of Dad and how he loved a grilled hot dog...he always looked forward to that 4th of July standard.  When I prepared the beans for baking this year I loaded them with pieces of salt pork just the way Dad liked them...wishing he were here to say "Beth' boy oh boy I got quite a few pieces of salt pork...it is always so good! You have to have a lot of salt pork in beans you know."

I know both of them were missed and I also know they would have told all of us to enjoy ourselves...life is short, don't waste a minute...look forward...life goes on.  

Yes life does go on...I know that but sometimes it is hard to admit...so it is wonderful that for me Caleb and Laura are expecting their first child.  This very fact forces us to look forward...to accept life does go on...that there is still so much joy to be experienced in my life and all of our lives.  I know without a doubt that those two men who meant so much to me are looking down on all of us smiling and giving each other the "thumbs up" because a new baby will be joining us next year for the party!

It was a great party...let's do it again next year!!!!!

Elizabeth

July 4th 2012 - Celebration Part FIve

More candids...

These last photos are devoted to the fireworks...

Even that big mustache can't hide that big grin!
Mark and the "Boom Booms"!!!!!

It is never work getting the fireworks ready.

When does the sun go down.

The next entry will be the close of the July 4th entries....if any one has photos they would like added,  please just send them onto me and I will upload them!

Elizabeth

July 4th 2012 - Celebration - Part Four

Good Morning...this next photo is my top favorite...really Layne could you get anymore relaxed!!!!!  I never tire of looking at this...we all know Layne is probably the most laid back fellow we know - now we have proof.

INCREDIBLE!!!!!

The next are of activity at the water pump....

The following are candids everyone can enjoy...

Looks like I have two more days worth of photos...

Elizabeth

July 4th 2012 Celebration - Part Three

Today is simply loads of photos to be enjoyed...

Even with all the food we had...the minute the ice cream truck rounded the corner with his bell a ringing our group made a stampede to his window for something icy cold!  Gotta love how little kids react when that bell rings!!!!!

It looks like I have three more blog entries to make to complete the photos...still lots of great ones to come!!!!!

Elizabeth