The 3rd of July

*****DO NOT click links in the post.  I didn't put links in and they go to advertisements.  I'm not sure why - I just got the computer back from being worked on.  I'm working on the problem.*******

This year we celebrated the 4th of July on the 3rd of July.  Our plans shifted to the 3rd so that Lily could be there.  This year our "exchange" day (when Lily goes to her mom's) fell on the 4th at 6:00, so we moved our celebration to the 3rd!  I couldn't not have been planned better if we had tried!  Thanks to our scheduling needs, we avoided the wash out on the 4th and had a BEAUTIFUL, COMFORTABLE, COOL, AND BREEZY celebration!  We felt very blessed!

To add to our blessings, Jessica had an urgent dental need that had to be cared for and that brought her to Murfreesboro just in time for a pre-4th visit as well!

John had to stay at home in Johnson City, but John Harris got to come visit with Jessica and we were all pleased as punch to see him!  Especially Ava Grace!  She loves her "John Baby."  She nearly smothered him with hugs and kisses for the first two hours we were there!  The only thing she can't figure out is why he doesn't answer when she talks to him! 

Aunt Jan was there for the festivities and enjoyed spending time with everyone, but I'm pretty sure she was most excited to spend so much time with the smallest members of the family, from Lily on down to John Baby.

Chris' sister and sister-in-law planned the events for the day and set up all kinds of back yard games!  There was boccie ball, croquet, badminton, ladder golf, and volley ball. 

Of course, that wasn't enough for Chris.... 

...he and Pap had to add some golf to the agenda!

There is no way to know for sure, but Ava Grace seems pretty coordinated at this point and loves anything that deals with a ball!

We used Lily's old clubs that are a little too big for Ava Grace and a  little too small for Lily, but they worked just fine for some backyard fun!

Lily has never truly taken an interest in golf.  She hits on the range every now and then and in the backyard with Chris.  After our vacation, though, she has decided she might like to play.  She's been spending some time with her Daddy at the golf course and some time hitting in the yard, so we are looking into some new clubs and a new hobby for our big girl.

The little one is just happy to be outside!  Poking bugs, picking "flowers," throwing balls, or running... it doesn't matter to her, as long as she is outside!

She and her cousin, Silas, enjoyed chasing the balls and "helping" everyone else in the yard play their respective games. 

Overall it was a very successful celebration and we thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family!

On evening of the third it started raining.

It rained...

...and rained...

...and rained.

For 3 days we were stuck inside watching it rain.  We totally made the best of it!  We did some home projects that were fun - we hung a new wine rack, a shelf in the laundry room, and a photo wall.  We also got some deep cleaning done.  Ava Grace enjoyed some rainy day activities too.... like fort building...

...for demolition...

...and play dough!

and on day four, the sky cleared!

The week and weekend of the 4th couldn't have been better... even with all the rain!