'08 4th of July weekend

Our weekend comprised of several interesting events, which included back-to-back firework/campfire shows as well as a hearty BBQ and water gun shoot outs. It started off at the Gross' magnificent lakefront home. We made our way out there despite getting lost couple of times and we were greeted by three families, the Gross and two other families from their ward. After familiarizing ourselves with each other over dinner, we hunkered down by the camp fire next to the lake and enjoyed some smores and took in the impressive display of fireworks. The next day, we played by the lake and by the indoor pool. Malachi did not have the propensity for water so he pretty much stayed away from the lake but he was curious as to the indoor pool and so he played near the edge of the poolside, splashing at the floating toys. Unfortunately, he got too rambunctious and took a nose dive into the pool. Both Alisha and I were in the house and before any of the other parents who were out by the pool could react, Marie, with her maternal instinct activated, donned her superwoman cape and dove in after Malachi. It was an impressive and touching display. Fortunately, he wasn't too traumatized as he went right out to the pool after he dried up.

It was great spending time with Will, Marie, Bella, and Liam as well as with their friends. It was especially fun watching Malachi and Bella playing, they acted like they were long lost buddies! Everytime I called out Malachi's name, Bella replied, "He's okay!" Precious moments...

We drove to Alisha's parents after parting ways with our friends at the lake. Our trek to her parent's home was well worth the time and effort as we were greeted by loving grandparents and stack full of food. The BBQ feast included "the best ribs I ever made (quoted by Boyd)" ribs, tantalizing potato salad, and special shrimp macaroni salad topped off with grilled corn on the cobs. After gorging on the feast, the grandparents played with the kiddies utilizing pistols that shot water, which totally tickled Malachi pink as he giggled and laughed while shooting everyone in sight. As the evening descended upon us, signaling the end of the day, Boyd was kind enough to clear out the fire pit- a fire pit that I never knew existed- located right next to the house. Alisha and Barbara went on a clandestine shopping run for sparklers and "bumble bee" but those items were shadowed by the two-hour firework displayed held by the neighbors across the way. They just kept shooting huge rockets over and over again. Unfortunately, our babies did not enjoy the camp fire nor the firework and decided to fall asleep. Oh well, maybe next year...