Lineberry's Firecracker 4th 2013

Now that we're settled back home, spending the 4th of July at the Lineberry's is nearly a given.  This year was more fun than ever and included even more fun for the kids and the adults, too.  I was crowned champion in the ladies bracket of the first annual watermelon eating contest, (a title I plan to keep.)  Next year Ben will be prepared to compete in the kids bracket.  
We arrived a little early but didn't stay late as Ben crawled onto the kiddo picnic table about 8:30 and laid down his head on his arms.  I scooped him up as he pleaded, "home, Mama."  He woke up the next morning with a summer cold so his extra-tired and glassy-eyed demeanor on the 4th made more sense.  We've all recovered well though and I'll let the pics tell the rest of the story.........................

"there, I touched the flag. Are you happy?"

He absolutely refused to look at me for a pic and I have 15 more to prove it.

Amy's mom made this amazing flower display complete with a vintage Coke crate.

some photo booth fun

yep, this amazing pool toy is right in the back yard

Ben sidled up to his newly proclaimed best friend Sara and was SO happy to sit next to her, he did so without saying a word. He was probably expecting to be told to "go away Ben!"

This view is why this was the only suburban locale we seriously considered.

beautiful MeeMee

no nap but a little Jack Johnson surfing video relaxing time. :)

my fave pic of the day

"MeeMee, I got this! "

everyone loves a shirtless tractor driving man

Here he is tackling dessert #4 (home-made bing cherry ice cream) in outfit #3.  Next year I'm going to get him festive swim trunks so he can be shirtless and wet all day as he clearly prefers.

A new stand this year made the mentos fountains bigger and better.  There were again no fireworks allowed due to high fire danger.

handsome Quincy

the photobooth was a bust for Ben and me

Amy's clear Pinterest addiction went more over the top than ever before this year and based on the crowd's rumblings, everyone was very impressed.  It's just a wonderful venue to gather with many we love and to contemplate the meaning of the day.  We are so blessed to live in this great nation and to be continually protected by the men and women who put their lives on the line for us everyday.  

Happy Birthday America!! and may God continue to Bless You!!