4th of July

I barely knew my cousins growing up. We just lived too far away so we never saw them and I wanted things to be different for my daughters. The cousin relationship is a special one because they weren't raised by your parents, but by someone like your parents. They are just far enough removed so there isn't any sibling rivalry and usually a little older so they can show you all the cool things or just a little younger so you can show them all the cool things. So I was beyond thrilled we had an influx of cousins for the 4th of July!

Liesel and Ireland took them to Lakeside Fest where they rode the rides and ate carnival food and took selfies.

I got to spend some quality time with my little sisters.

Anything that gets going at night is just not my thing. Even in the summer I prefer to be tucked into bed and fast asleep rather than burning the midnight oil. Thankfully my sisters took over so we had pinatas, games and glowsticks. Whitney had the Savannah Banana game on and we learned all about Banana Ball which is really, really cool. I love the concept and now I really want to go to a game!

The girls lit sparklers in the driveway while fireworks went off in the distance.

Of course we had to show off Millennium park with the Bean, Crowne Fountain and the amazing skyscapes.

More cousin bonding.

Lots of games which Reagan always makes a lot of fun.

Some sister bonding too. We've been through a lot lately and there was more to wade through in caring for our parents.

Ah I loved having them here! The Sommers finally got to jump on the trampoline and we saw them at breakfast and it was just so good to talk to them and hug them!

Whitney was here with Madeleine who we took to church with us. At first she was unsure but I insisted she needed a break and I needed my emotional support toddler. I ended up bearing my testimony about how it's the 50th anniversary of Jaws and the theme being just two notes. This made me think of 1 Kings 19: 11-12 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice. 

Madeleine has a small voice that I love so much- everything she says is just adorable because of her small voice. So like the simple 2 notes from Jaws warning of danger and Madeleine's small voice, we can hear the Lord if we really listen. 

When we came home from church, everyone had been cleaning and dinner was on the stove. Man I love my sisters! It was such a great visit and I can't wait to see everyone again.