Oh Say, Can You See?

This year we had a pretty low-key Fourth of July. No parades or anything. Since we'd just returned from the beach trip, there was a lot to do around the house with unpacking and what-not, but mostly we were somehow exhausted from the driving and unpacking the day before. Plus, it was Fast-Sunday so we basically did the usual Sunday-ish things.

The first special experience of the day came during Sacrament meeting. Brother Beacham shared his testimony, and talked about his father who had fought in WWII and in Korea. After his heartfelt words, Bro. Beacham wanted to end with a tribute by singing The Star Spangled Banner. He began singing without music, and pretty soon everyone was on their feet singing along. It was a really great experience, the Spirit spoke to my heart of His love for this country.

Later that night, after we had rested, we got to break out the Fireworks that we had picked up in South Carolina during the beach trip. We went down to the cul-de-sac at the end of Bennington and were joined by just abut every boy in the neighborhood, I think, plus a few of the girls friends, Lulu and Eliza, plus a lot of men shooting off some BIG fireworks. Some may say that the highlight was when the neighbor's yard caught on fire (!)....we pounded it out with our shoes and dumped water on it.



It wasn't a professional show, but being close to home and with friends make it even better.

At the end of the evening, we came home and read the Declaration of Independence.

What better way to celebrate than with God, Music, Family, Friends, and Fireworks!

Teamwork

A litttle while ago I wrote that I had never canned anything. Well, I'm learning never to say "never"!

We went up to the Fisher's in King, NC for the 4th of July weekend and they had gone up to Virginia and bought a bushel of apples. I didn't even know apples were ripe yet - always associated them with fall. Anyway, we all had a good time making applesauce with them.

About 3/4 of the way through, it started raining.

The kids loved wearing Grandma's aprons.

My mother in law is a veteran canner andknows all the rules and tricks by heart. So she is a great teacher. The whole process went very smoothly and faster than I thought it would. Unfortunately I wasn't able get a photo of her in her cute 4th of July apron.

It's amazing to watch your kids find joy in work. This is always easier when the task is something new and interesting.

It's especially easy to find smiles when the work will most likely be followed by one of Grandpa's famous ice-cream trips!

Unfortunately I wasn't feeling well for most of the time and pooped out midway. I couldn't resist taking a few photos, though.

Thankfully we had a couple of hardworkers who volunteered to do the clean-up part. I think we used every big bowl and pan in the house! They deserve a second scoop! Not bad for a Saturday morning's work!