For you Misty

Since my wonderful sister doesn't update her blog very often, I'm dedicating this post to you, Misty.

Brandon and Misty had their annual 4th of July party at their house, as usual. It's a lot of fun eating and fellowshipping with friends but my personal favorite is when the others leave to go see fireworks and we get to hang out with family. I didn't even take out my camera when the 50+ were there.

It's after they all leave that Misty and I get to act like kids on the moon bounce. Unfortunately, the guy came too early for my liking to pick it up. My time was cut short and I didn't get much of a chance to have fun. Oh well... next year.

Poor Rosie was on her leash away from the festivities.

Uncle Brandon looks like he is out to get Rebecca.
Yep, he picked her up and threw her over to the slide.

Since Rebecca and Em like to dress alike, some people have a difficult time telling them apart from a distance. Do you?

Once the moon bounce was gone, the kitchen cleaned, a movie was watched, a trip to the fireworks stand, and darkness was upon us, we had fun eating smores by the bonfire.

Fun with sparklers
and glow up bracelets.

Extra toasted Misty?

Busch Gardens Friday

Even though Misty had the great idea to go to BG on Thursday night to skip the Friday crowd(see post previous to this one), some of our friends were not able to go until Friday. Gratefully, we had a dog sitter and were able to go back the next day with friends. Since we had been out late the night before and due to traffic on the highway, we didn't get there until lunch time. Generally, we stop and eat in Williamsburg before going into the park. We were invited to join in with our friends on their picnic, claiming they brought plenty of food for our family as well. Boy, were they right. I have never seen so much food for 12 people at a picnic. Everything was wonderful and we were all very full before going back into the park. I am so glad that they were willing to share with us because the fellowship with all of them was so much fun.

I just love that face!
They had chairs, blankets, food and drinks for all.

The kids waiting in line for Dark Castle. And no, the boy on the right wasn't upset- he just has to be different!

Becca and Emily soaring on the swings.
Can barely see Becca there between the guys.

After rides, ice cream and fun, it was fireworks time. These are the same fireworks seen from the night before- just taken with a different camera.

We were completely exhausted after 2 days worth at Busch Gardens but it was so much fun.

Busch Gardens- Thursday

Since we spend the fourth at my sister's party each year, we usually team up and go to Busch Gardens a day or 2 beforehand to see fireworks. Jay and I have been going each year now for about 5 years now so I guess it's become a tradition for us. Misty wanted to go Thurs. evening thinking that if we waited until Friday, it would be too crowded. Good call Misty!

On the way there, we were passed by another family from church. We got there around the same time and palled around together. Our family has gone so many times that it starts to get boring unless we are with others.

Here is Emily's favorite ride, Escape from Pompeii in Italy.
Jay and Em are in the back row and Jay is waving.

Em and Tiffany on the Flying Machine. Wonder what they are talking about over there.

Jay rode with Hunter.

Another one of Tiffany and Emily.

I guess I didn't get a picture of Alana and Rebecca.

tradewind

Emily and Alana

Hunter, Tiffany and Rebecca in the tea cups.

After the swings and the Big Bad Wolf, it was time to meet up with Misty and Brandon on the bridge to wait for the fireworks.
Brandon and Misty

Entertainment while waiting...

Those two are a pair. They are best friends and give me a glimpse of what I am in for with my daughters. Shew... I don't think Jay will be able to handle it!

The fire works were amazing this year.

Thank you Brandon and Misty for saving us a great spot to watch them from.

Independence Day Celebration at the Public Library

The public libraries in our area always have an Independence Day celebration. We have attended the past couple of yours but this is the first time I have remembered to bring my camera. Rebecca was of the oldest ones there but she still enjoyed it.

They made Uncle Sam pins.
Rebecca dominated in the bean bag toss.

They colored small flags,

signed the Declaration of Independence,

and made "fireworks" with pretzels, frosting and sprinkles.

Emily loves the station where she can use their stamps.

Beautiful Singing at Church

More Pool Fun

bomb's away

the race is on

poor little Madelyn was dunked by her mommy

Jay's dolphin dive over a noodle

Thanks Meredith for sharing your pool with us!!!! I think Jay had the most fun.

A Pool Birthday Party

The girls were invited to their friend's pool party. We all had a great time. I took a bunch of pictures for the birthday girl's mom so I figured I would go ahead and put them on here.

Is this not too cute???
great food!
The birthday girl's mom made this cake.

the birthday girl

Rebecca

NBT Contests

There were several contests going on through out the week. Mr. Matt said that the one with the most visitors in the Junior and Primary classes gets to put a goldfish in his mouth. Now, he kinda cheated in my opinion. The only goldfish at the store that afternoon were either really tiny or really large. He picked the tiny one to swallow.

Haleigh won the most visitors and also won the highest memory verses learned through out the week. This earned her the opportunity to drop the goldfish in Mr. Matt's mouth and a pie in his face.

With Rebecca being the top memorizer in her class, she also got to put a pie in Mr. Matt's face.

It was dark and her back was to me so the video didn't really turn out.

Here is Mr. Dan, our youth pastor. "I told the teenagers that if they met the goal of 55 teenagers at NBT they could do whatever they wanted to me and so they decided on a mohawk!"

Of course, he shaved it off completely by Sunday and it will grow back quickly.

I'm not sure what the deal was here but apparently Mr. Brandon lost this one. Syrup and sugar... Not something I would want poured on me.

This is Mr. AJ, the teens rally time evangelist. Don't know what the stipulations were here either but he was supposed to have his leg waxed. He prayed that no one would remember to bring the wax and they didn't. Therefore, he had the clippers used to shave his leg. Not really a true shaving experience, by any means.

NBT Awards

Rebecca won first place for her grade winning a Bible and top scripture memorizer in the junior class.
Notice that they are dressed alike? haha Emily walking up when she won first place in her grade. I was sitting in the back and Christine's oldest sister was gracious enough to take pictures for me. Thanks so much Brittany!!!
Em also won a new Bible.

Christine won 4th place for her grade.

Christine won the coloring contest for the juniors.

The girls were so excited to have their friends come with them all week long.