Independence Day

Happy 4th of July!!! What a blessing to live in a country where we have so many freedoms. We had a fun day celebrating yesterday. In the morning we went to the local parade. Rebecca loved seeing all the people. She tried to make friends with the little boy sitting next to us. She was also very intrigued by the parade. She was in the stroller eating her lunch for the first part of the parade. After that she sat so well on Mommy's lap...good as gold :) She pointed out the doggies, bounced to the music and waved her flags. Never even tried to get down, she was just enjoying the show. After lunch and nap we went to the craft/art show at a nearby park. There were lots of tents with local vendors. Mary got a purse, and we got a wood carving for the dining room. We watched a chainsaw artist carve a bear statue. Then we saw 4 sky divers jump and land...the last one carrying a flag with him. Rebecca kept pointing and saying "sky, sky" or more like "ky, ky." We got some ice cream and then spent time on the playground. In the evening we grilled and relaxed. Rebecca had her bath and went to bed early. Friday night she had a very rough night. Mary was up with her until almost 1am! So we were very nervous about another bad night with all of the noise from fireworks. But amazingly she slept through it all!! Even with so many loud fireworks in nearby yards. We were very thankful. Justin and Mary watched the Grandville fireworks from the porch. A nice show as usual. It was a fun day.

Today we are going to church and then packing! We're heading out tomorrow afternoon for a week long trip to Traverse City, the UP and WI. We're hoping to spend lots of time in the water (beach and pool) and check out the Cherry Festival in TC. In WI we'll be visiting Grandpa and Grandma Voogt. Then we're taking the ferry back next Monday. We're excited to get away for a few days and have some quality family time.

Be sure to check out our pictures from yesterday.