4th of July

Our 4th of July was a little different this year.  Since David's aunt and uncle had a family wedding, our usual crowd and local hangout for the day were not available.  David's parents and mine were out of town, too. 
We felt sad and lost. 
We felt like Meliuses without a family. 
So, we pulled ourselves together and got over it. :)
We started out with our usual routine--the Faulkton parade.  There is no documentation of Landen at the parade as he decided this morning that if he couldn't BE in the parade (as he has been in the past with his grandparents), he didn't want to SEE the parade.  So, he stayed in the van.  I guess we all make choices in life . . . . 
He perked up for the picnic in the park later on.
The best part of today is that it was a perfectly beautiful day weather-wise!  We usually don't go to the park for the community picnic since it is USUALLY so unbearbly HOT.  If there's anything I can't stand, it's standing in line to juggle plates on a hot, sticky day.  (My favorite place to be on the 4th of July is enjoying the AC wherever I happen to be.) 
Well, guess what?  Not only was the temperature perfect, but in the past three years, our big 3 have grown enough to carry their OWN plates!  It was SPECTACULAR!  We caught up with friends we hadn't seen in much too long while the kids danced and played in the park.  It was Norman Rockwell-esque.  There are some moments in life when you realize how great it is while you are living it. 
It was one of those times for me. 
Great Uncle John and Great Aunt Donna (whom Nathan has decided will now be known as "Grandpa" and "Grandma"--Why not?  You can never have too many grandparents.) surprised us with a visit after our return home. 
Our plan was to return to Faulkton for the fireworks, but we decided over supper that we were quite content to be home.  Our children are now watching fireworks on TV and from whichever window happens to be facing fireworks at the time.  Big 3 are happy, parents are happy, Rachel is sleeping. . . all is well. :)

Happy 4th of July! 

Life is good.