4th of July Festivities

After successfully surviving our first two whole weeks straight without Daddy (his longest absence since Jake's been born, and actually since last fall too), the kids and I were very pleased to have him home for several days to celebrate the 4th of July with us. On the 3rd, we headed to the coast for the annual Marks/Cornett family get together. We were blessed with beautiful, sunny weather this year! Ben had a blast trying to keep up with his Daddy in badminton and croquet.

Abby enjoyed spending time with her relatives, especially cuddling with Grandpa.

Both kids really enjoyed the cupcakes that Abby helped me make.

On the 4th, Abby and I (and Jake :) drove over to the nearest fireworks stand to see what we could buy with eight bucks....not much! We got some sparklers and "Dancing Daisies," which was Abby's choice - what little girl wouldn't pass up that name? They weren't that cool, but Abby LOVED them and had fun twirling about pretending she was a dancing daisy. Ben was cautious about the sparklers, or "flower-candles" as he called them, but had fun doing them only if Daddy held him and helped him. This year, Abby was acted like an old pro with the sparklers. Afterward, we walked around the neighborhood watching everyone else blow up their money. :) We saw several very nice displays.

Kevin is gone once again, hopefully this time for not more than a week. Ben especially has missed Kevin this time around. In fact, the day before Kevin got home, Ben asked me if his cousin Solomon could come over to play (his words: "Solomon come over?"). When I said no, not this time, Ben then replied, "Daddy come over?" So sweet, but so sad! Kevin's busy season has just begun and I can tell it's going to feel extra-long for us this year.