I apologize–this is my first time being late with a post. We just returned from a long weekend away, visiting family in Illinois over the 4th and the fact that it was my day to post slipped my mind until this morning.
So, very quickly, I will just share that we ha
d a lovely time visiting family–family that we see all too rarely: my younger brother and his wife and daughters, as well as aunts, uncles, and cousins. We used to see them more often, but since my parents have both passed on, we find ourselves driving down to Illinois less frequently. How enjoyable to catch up with each other’s lives, hear stories, and laugh together. And man, can my Aunt Carol cook!
And I’m happy that my sons were able to hear some of those same stories and to get to know these relatives I love so much a little better. (Tubing and swimming were fun, too.)
While we were there we had a couples shower for my cousin Jessica who is getting married at the end of August. So at least we know we will see everyone again at the wedding in a few months, instead of a few years. It had been too long.
As we drove from my aunt’s ho
use on the first leg of the long drive back to Minnesota, we stopped to visit two more family members–my beloved parents–or at least their resting place. Now I realize they are not there–they are in eternity with the Lord, a far better place than that lonely rural cemetery. But even so, it made me feel better to do something “for them” while we were there, so we planted grass seed and added a butterfly ornament (my Mom loved butterflies, and I love how they symbolize new life). It has been too long since we have seen my parents as well, but I will have to wait longer to see them in person. What a day that will be to see them in heaven–free from the suffering and grief of this life. What a real “Independence Day” that will be!
I hope you had a good 4th of July as well. How did you celebrate Independence Day?
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Holidays are the best for bringing family together. We spent the weekend at my in-law’s lake home just 30 miles north of our house. The kids spent more time in the water than out. They are the fourth generation of my husband’s family to grow up on that lake, and I love watching them make memories. It was a good weekend.
Isn’t it great when the kids spend summers outside and in the water instead of in front of gadgets?!? Glad you had a good weekend, Gabrielle!
My family and I spent the 4th visiting Cincinnati. We went through the Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Went to Newport on the Levy, on Saturday and Findlay Market on Sunday. We also saw fireworks on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Thursday fireworks were on top a building just across from the hotel. We has a perfect view from my sister’s room. Friday, there were at least 5 different displays that could be seen from the pool (top floor) area. Saturday, we watched from the river walk just across where they set them off. All in all, it was a great weekend.
Glad you had a great holiday.
Wow–you had a busy long weekend, Dora. Sounds interesting. Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Julie! I’m reading The Dancing Master and am really enjoying it! I loved the one line (I’m not open to it right now, so this is a paraphrase), which was a similar line found in Pride and Prejudice- “more than one lady was in want of a partner”. I believe Patience said it. I was so glad that you put that in there!
To the topic at hand… we got rained out on the 4th, so my husband and I took my 13-month old son to the zoo on the 5th. It was so neat to take him, though to be honest, he only paid so much attention to it all. He’s still a little young. Then we grilled later in the day. It was just us as we don’t live near any family, and my son is not the easiest/most flexible baby out there when it comes to traveling.
That was a lovely way you remembered your parents. I’m sure they would appreciate such tender loving care if they could see it.
Thanks, Courtney. Glad you enjoyed your close-to-home holiday. And so glad you recognized that line from P & P. I put that in there for readers like you (and me)! 🙂
Hi Julie. So glad you had a great 4th and a nice reunion with your family. We had a great time, too–sitting on the beach and watching the fireworks from the nearby state park. Happy writing!
Thanks, Lynn. Nice to hear from you. Glad to know you’re enjoying your summer!
So happy you were able to visit and spend time with relatives, Julie! 🙂
I had my family (my kiddos, sisters, niece, nephews, etc.) at my house for a big cookout—LOTS of
food, fun, and fellowship. Since our weather was so nice that day (NOT typical for July in Georgia, LOL) we
spent much of the day in our front/back yards – – playing games of cornhole, etc. and visiting – – such fun!
And one of the main highlights was having my niece, her Air Force husband just back from his deployment, and their
3 little kiddos here with us (they’ve lived in Hawaii for 5 years, and will be based in VA now).
Thanks for sharing with us – – and I loved what you wrote about one day seeing your precious parents in Heaven. Yes, that
will certainly be a true Independence Day!!
Hugs, Patti Jo
Sounds wonderful, Patti Jo. Something tells me you’re a great cook, too. Not sure what “cornhole” is, but sounds like a great time. Glad your weather cooperated. We had lovely weather in Illinois, too. 70s instead of the 90s and unbearable humidity they often have. Ahhh!