Holiday Fun

Our family enjoyed a great Fourth of July this year. To think - last year at this time we were preparing for our first embryo transfer. I had already begun all the medications and we eagerly awaited what God had in store for our life. This year we enjoyed the festivities as a family of seven! Plus, my parents were in town for a short visit, thus increasing our brood by two. The day began as it has the past several years with a gourmet breakfast at the Hartzell's house. "Miss Barb" prepared a delicious feast of casseroles and breads. She sent us on our way at 9:00 AM with a collection of patriotic goodies and we headed to the Derby parade. Our family donned our "Jim Howell for Sedgwick County Commissioner" shirts and we all walked along in support of his campaign. The babies got lots of attention in their decorated stroller and Griffen and Rhys energetically passed out candy and cheered. After a very full morning, we arrived home and took a NAP! Yes, this mother of five got a 3 HOUR NAP!!! That was quite possibly the highlight of my entire week. :) The evening found us enjoying a fabulous smoked brisket and watching fireworks from our driveway. Daddy even set up the tent in our backyard, where he spent the night with Griffen and Rhys watching the sky filled with bright bursts of red, white, and blue. As Griffen stated, "This was a perfect family day." I would have to agree!