The Fourth

We always have a great time in the mountains on the Fourth of July and this year was no exception.  We had a late start Friday night because poor Jim worked a 13.5 hour day!  He got home and we shoved some food in his mouth and ran on to Blue Ridge.  We got there about 10:30, set up the kids' pallet, had a snack and hit the sack.  Our guys were up unusually early on Saturday and we were on the river by 11:30.  This was Selah's inaugural river ride and she had ZERO apprehension.  Phillip enjoyed himself too, although he took longer to relax and enjoy himself.  We got home, rinsed off, ate a HUGE meal, took a nap and then headed to the marina for fireworks.  Some nice strangers gave us watermelon to eat and someone else gave the kids glow bracelets.  Phillip passed the time by searching for the fireworks on Google maps.  Funny kid.  The show started suddenly, and the noise startled us all.  We were VERY close.  I was surprised because the kids did not freak out right away.  But about two minutes in they'd had enough and the tears began.  So I took them to seek shelter under the porch of a little cafe that was a little farther away from the BOOM BOOM.  That seemed to ease their concerns enough that we made it through the remainder of the show without having to walk all the way back to the car.  I considered that a minor victory.  Mom always had to sit in the car with me when I was little, so this was a little better.
We slept in on Sunday and lazed about.  (well, the kids lazed about.  I packed the car).  We went over to Mema's and Pepa's for some barbeque and to pick up our sweet Noel.  Thanks Mema and Pepa for doggy sitting!