Wednesday, July 8, 2020

July 4th In Review

On July 3rd our Portland crew flew in to spend some time at the Pines! It was such a great weekend and we were so happy they could come back this summer to visit.  My son and his family had planned a May trip to Hawaii but thanks to you know who...or I should say, you know what, it was cancelled.  So we were happy when they used the plane tickets to fly out to see us first, then go up to Michigan, and then will meet us on Friday this week for our celebration of life for my Mom.  So in a nut shell...here's the pics of the 4th weekend.

The weekend temps were rising so on Saturday morning Craig and crew decided to head to Mohican State park and show the kids some of the places he played when he was young.  The river area was packed with campers and folks like us but we did find a nice spot to play in the water.
Addy and Sophie were happy to reconnect from last summer.
Granddaughter Katie and her Momma! They look like sisters!
Even Arnold enjoyed a cool walk in the river with Craig.  Afterwards we headed back home for a cookout in the afternoon with family.
The bow and arrows came out along with some gun shooting.  Also they enjoyed my little toy:
Everyone took a spin on the bike but I think Taylor enjoyed it the most!  I have 2 Granddaughters getting married next year and we got to talking about wedding dresses.  My Mom made my wedding dress and I mentioned that anyone is welcome to wear it.  We decided to let Katie model it even though she's NOT one of the future brides!
Some alterations and it could be hers one day! Craig would prefer that to be WAYYYYY in the future! Ha!  We watched fireworks from a distance on Saturday night.  The evening actually turned quite pleasant and cool.  On Sunday we traveled up to Kirtland to see the first Mormon Temple even though the historic sites were closed.  We walked around up there and enjoyed the day.  The Temple is so pretty.

We also had a nice picnic.
On Monday we all gathered the swim suits and sunblock and headed to our oldest son's home for some swimming.

It was great to see the kids and their Dads enjoying time together and just being goofy!
Looking at these two you would never guess they were brothers from the same Mother...and Dad! Jack the oldest on the left, and Craig #2 on the right.  It was a fun time that went way too fast. Yesterday morning the crew  headed out for a quick trip to upper Michigan. They lived in Michigan for 3 years and enjoyed their time there.  Looking forward to seeing them on Friday.
See you then kiddos!


8 comments:

betty said...

You packed a lot of fun into a few days! Loved all the pictures of your family having fun together. That was an interesting picture of the "old" Mormon Temple. So much has changed with designs of it over the years. I didn't realize it but we have 2 of them here in this area; one in Gilbert and one in Glendale, which is actually called the Phoenix temple; both are probably within 60 miles of each other. What a wonderful wedding dress your mom made for you!! Your granddaughter modeled it so well! I'm currently reading Wedding Dress by Danielle Steele. Who knows, maybe one of your granddaughters or even great granddaughters will wear it some day!

betty

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Yaya!

I'm happy to see that your family members from Oregon, Portland, flew to Ohio for a holiday visit. I am also happy to learn that they will meet up with you in Chicago for the celebration of your dear mother's life. I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for favorable travel weather and safety and security for one and all as you gather to remember a life very well lived. It's great to see pics of "Back East Addy," "Out West Sophie" and others wading in the water at Mohican State Park. I agree that Katie and her mother look like sisters. It's good to see them again. I'll bet that water was refreshingly cool for the peeps and also felt doggone good to Arnie. Your wedding dress fits Katie very well. It amazes me that your mother's skilled hands made that gorgeous, ornate dress! We had rain and storms the evening of the 4th which cut down on the fireworks this year. The cracking and popping resumed whenever the rain stopped for a few minutes. My gosh, that is a beautiful temple, and you collected more great pics posing in front of it. For a moment there, I thought you and Jack erected your backyard swimming pool this year. It was fun to see the kids soaking and rafting at your son's deck and pool along with a granddog who obviously loves the water. That was a nice moment when Jack Junior and Craig smiled for your camera. You finished big with a wonderful group shot of the Oregonians. I hope all goes as scheduled in the days ahead and that you return safely and post about your mother's service. Bless you, dear friend YaYa!

Julia said...

I'm glad your family could get together. It has been tough not having visitors for a long time. Here we are still social distancing so not much visiting even though we are finally allowed but there a long line at the provincial borders. The weather seemed to have cooperated well for your gathering. It looks like a lot of fun in the pool. My thoughts are with you and your family for the memorial celebration.

Take care, stay safe, and healthy.
Hugs, Julia

acorn hollow said...

How nice you could be all together and it looks like a very fun time.
You did pack quite a bit in and so nice you will be all together for your mother's services.
Looks like you have a busy year ahead of you with two weddings.
cathy

jack69 said...

Glad you guys had a great 4th. Too bad about the cancellations of the Hawaii trip but glad they got to use the tickets. neat.
TAke care ans STAY SAFE from you know what or who!
Sherry & jack

Prims By The Water said...

Looks like you and your family had a wonderful July 4th. My step daughter gets married this Halloween. Hope your weddings go well. Janice

Susan Zarzycki said...

Great family photos!💖

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