Summer Break: Week Four

The week started with a celebration/retirement dinner for our Senior Pastor, who has led the same congregation for 29 years. We've only been a part of the church for 2, but we thoroughly enjoyed hearing the stories and meeting the people that go back much further in life history with this man and his family. I volunteered as a photographer, so I got to roam the room, snapping photos to my heart's content. Which is probably partially to blame for the fact that I have very few pictures representing the rest of week 4 of Summer Break.

The next day, we hosted a gathering of all of my siblings (except the one that lives over-seas), together with their spouses and kids, plus my parents and an Uncle. We try to gather as often as we all can, which usually amounts to twice a year, when my Montana sister comes to visit. With 11 adults and 11 kids, I was very glad it was a sunny day so we didn't have to crown into my little house. The cousins had great fun running around, while the grown-ups sat in the shade and swapped stories. And I did more relaxing and hosting that photo snapping.

Two days later, our yard was full again, this time with friends, talking, laughing, eating, then going to see the local fireworks. We think we've finally found the best spot to view the display, after a few years of trial and error. 

The rest of the week included band practice, lots of pool time for the kids, printing and assembling a new design for y'all, harvesting the first of our raspberries, lots of work on renovating the back deck, and a trip to the city to visit my local needlework shop and pick up models from their trunk show. 

Methinks busy = less photographic evidence. 

Independence Day

After last year's mis-interpretation of our small town's firework display invitation, (not the first time either, you should read back through our Independence Day experiences sometime) we arrived this year informed by experience and ready for a great show.

And armed with a certain picnic quilt that was celebrating its fifth anniversary.

It was too dark once we got positioned to take photos, but that's because we stopped at the market for some tubs of ice cream because last year we were disappointed by DQ being closed and not allowing us to have Blizzards. And also because I forgot that I had a different lens on my camera than I would normally use.

But I had my favorite people with me and some really chocolatey ice cream, and my snow boots on my feet to keep them warm, and I live in a country with more freedoms than many around the world, and I am blessed in more ways than I can count.

Small Towns and Communication

In the ongoing saga of fireworks mishaps, this year almost trumps this one. With a return to the local high school football field, we were looking forward to a better set-up and easier access. With grand plans to sit and eat Blizzards while we waited for the fireworks to start, we headed to town.

Only to find out that Dairy Queen had closed early because of the fireworks. A bit disappointed, we brushed it off and decided that it would be a great night anyway.

We pulled in where all the "Event Parking" signs were positioned, and set up our chairs out in the middle of a lot of people and waited. My social girl very quickly made friends with all the kids that were close by, and had them working together to make a big pile of dry grass clippings while her brother entertained himself by stealing handfuls whenever their backs were turned.

They both take after me; sometimes I am a very conflicted soul.

At last, the fireworks started.

That's right. BEHIND a huge stand of trees.

Scattered laughter from the people was mostly drowned out by grumbling and muttering and some brave souls picking up their chairs to try to walk around closer for a better view. We decided to stay put.

This one was so disappointed I heard him mutter to himself that it was "the worst day ever".

He obviously has had a pretty great life, for a lack of ice cream and big trees to ruin his day. But in his defense, I had a pretty hard time keeping my attitude in check too.

At some point, he said, in a rather irritated voice, "I guess we'll probably laugh about this SOME day".

And I'm sure we will. Actually, the whole thing is striking me as rather funny as I type this.

But at the time, it was the girl's new-found friends sharing glow sticks with the kids that was the highlight of the night.

And next year? We will learn from this lesson and have front-and-center seating. I hope.

Independence Day

As is our tradition, we spent Independence Day with local family. Not ALL local family, because my Mom was in the Bay area, waiting for my little sister to deliver baby girl #2 (that puts me at 7 nieces and 6 nephews), who made her appearance at 2:22pm. So none from my side of the family were here, but the Twist family was well-represented.

There was shooting of soda cans and clay pigeons.

There was much sitting on blankets and shooting the breeze and laughter.

There were two very cute little girls wearing their Stars and Stripes (not to mention plenty of dirt).

There were some perfectly fire-cooked sausages and hot dogs.

As well as fruit and home-grown veggies.

Our firepit once again was the proud holder of priceless moments.

Not to mention the S'mores.

And mysterious cousin-games.

Then it was off to our local fireworks display, which was a bit short this year, but still festive and memorable.

The littlest Twist commented on the way home that her very favorite part was the "Great Finale".

It was pretty great, indeed.

In Case You Missed It

Some of you had to work yesterday, or simply chose to stay away from the festivities, so I thought I'd share some festive moments trapped forever by my camera.

Our small town fireworks display once again, did not disappoint. Just the right length, with just the right amount of drama. Two sweet kiddos snuggled up next to me, surrounded by other family members, it was yet another night to stow away in our memory banks.

On our drive to town, the youngest voice piped up from the back seat, "I love this time of da season... because its da time of da season for fireworks!" And later, as we drove home, shortly before nodding to sleep in her booster seat, "Mama, when do we get to see da fireworks again?"

Too bad we only celebrate this way once a year. I think maybe we need to adopt some Chinese traditions and light up the sky any chance we get.