A Refreshing 4th of July!!

The 4th of July is always a good day. Besides celebrating our independence -- we also get a free day off from work (can't beat that). My day started off early to knock out some needed yard work. Then we headed to the pool until 3:00. Came home and got ready for our annual trip across the river to the Dogwood Dell. This was our 4th year at the Dell and again we had an awesome time. Melinda got our food together. The kids and I got all of our chairs, blankets and games packed into the car. We didn't do as good with parking this year as we did last year. (mental note: park away from dogwood dell) I think I was just anxious to get their and get our regular spot.

Anyway, we ate, we played football, frisbee, wiffle ball, some nintendo ds and we even colored in some coloring books. Melinda saved us about 2 thousand dollars. She went to the dollar store and bought a bunch of glow sticks. So we didn't have to spend hundreds of dollars from the local vendors. The mentos people must have thought we had bad breathe because they gave us about 100 packs of mentos - if anyone needs some mentos let me know. (Diet Coke anyone??) We also have a bunch of fans -- which I think was a great idea from the Mills Godwin High School to promote their upcoming Play (Chicago). We missed the folks from the ROC. They were passing out cards and such -- But I am sure they were promoting Jesus and encouraging folks to come to there Saturday Night -- 5 O'Clock Roc. Which we have gone to several times and it's also a good time. Don't be intimidated by the large group of bikers standing out front - they are their just to give hugs (which is kinda intimidating still).

Oh yeah, the dell did their firework show. I have no idea what time the show finally started it was late. I wish they had a count down clock or something - you never know when it will start. But once it does its a pretty good show. It's not the New York City fireworks -- but hey -- the kids love it and thats what makes us happy!!!