I'm not sure if it's just because we're creatures of habit or if it's because we really love traditions but we've spent the 4th of July up at Union Creek for the last four years now (and will be back again next year.)
Here's day one of this years trip...
My sister and her dog, Tucker joined us.
My sister even told my husband the embarrassing story of me back in college asking some guys from India how they celebrated the 4th of July in their country.
Horrifically embarrassing but sadly true. (Have I mentioned that I have a long history of buckling under social pressure?)
As you may have imagined, we don't play regular checkers; we play Oregon State University checkers. (We've also got O.S.U. Monopoly.)
Still laughing from dumping leaves on her dad's head. (I posted those shots yesterday.)
Bean dip, beer and a book.
And I'm a stickler about no pop in the house but while we're up at Union Creek, the kids are always allowed to have one soda a day and I let them pick the time. Therefore, Coley can usually be seen sucking his down with breakfast each morning while Courtney Lee holds out in anticipation for hers until its almost bedtime.
Guesstures.
I think the word was 'monkey.'
That is a pretty nice 'camera-face' for my sister (who can't maintain her 'camera-face' for long.)
Told you.
Annie, your daddy looks really hot in that t-shirt.
We made the best watermelon drink ever. (Just blend watermelon, strawberries, fresh lemons, mint and 1/4 cup of sugar.)
And my sister made some sort of crazy-good butter for the corn too (though Coley might argue with the 'crazy-good' part.)
Josh Downs let Cole start the fire for the first time ever.
He let him chop firewood while wearing flip-flops too.
Which caused my sister to do this.
I'm wondering if it's even possible to look less enthusiastic than this bunch?
Back-scratching.
Actually, I missed the shot of Cole scratching Josh's back and then complained at Josh because he always quits doing whatever he's doing once he sees my camera. As I went to sit down, I heard Josh say, "Quick, come back Cole, my back is itching again!" (And I know his back wasn't itching again, but I played along for the sake of getting the shot.)
Smores.
Ummm, there's marshmallow on your nose Courtney Lee.
That's a double-decker-roaster you see there.
This one doesn't do smores and she doesn't do roasted marshmallows either; she just likes em' straight out of the bag.
She even made up a song & dance to demonstrate her love of marshmallows.
And here's some shots from the last few years...2008, more from 2008, 2009, more from 2009, 2010, more from 2010.
Hoping to get some more posted tomorrow. (And hope your 4th was great!)
My maiden name is Tucker so I have a soft spot for dogs named Tucker, and there are lots of them.
When you sister crinkles her nose, she looks like you!
We have a rule, no pop before 10 am. And the kids, 15 and 21 still stick to the rule. We don't keep it around because one of them would drink it all day if no one was looking.
Have you seen the jumbo marshmallows at Walmart? We have them here so I'm assuming you have them there.
Posted by: Kelli | July 07, 2011 at 03:44 PM
So totally enjoyed catching up on your blog. Annie is looking more like her Daddy, with those brown eyes! Looks like you've been up to some fun lately, keeping the kiddos out of trouble - LOL!!
Posted by: Teresa | July 07, 2011 at 04:07 PM
Looks like such a fabulous 4th! Thanks for sharing so many photos.
Posted by: deb | July 07, 2011 at 07:43 PM
you had me chuckling at each photo and the journaling! thanks for sharing! You Rock!
~S~
Posted by: Stacey H | July 07, 2011 at 09:05 PM
I love family traditions and love seeing your happy family shots...oooh that fire looks nice and warm. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
Posted by: Kathy | July 07, 2011 at 10:02 PM
I love everything about traditions. We did smore's too...... After sunsets at the beach:)But nobody in our group says "NO" to smore's!!Oh that silly Annie will learn one day what she was missig. Nice of Josh to let Coley do the mans work (next time shoes!)and those children grow more beautiful with every shot!!! xx
Posted by: Patricia | July 08, 2011 at 04:19 AM
So much fun! Have you seen the GIANT marshmallows? I made a mountain pie using bread, dark chocolate & one GIANT marshmallow...YUM! Next best thing to a smore :)
Posted by: Tracy | July 08, 2011 at 06:20 AM
We play OSU Monopoly at our house too.
Posted by: jen j | August 07, 2011 at 09:54 PM