4th of July -aka- My Favorite Holiday

A year ago, I remember going to the fireworks at Raccoon River Park and getting butterflies in my stomach when Jason Rude walked by and sat just a couple feet in front of me.  I wanted to sit by him so bad!  This year... I got to spend the whole weekend with him and although I still get butterflies when I see him, this year the butterflies in my stomach have been joined by Baby Rude! A lot can happen in a year, ya know? :)

We started off the weekend by celebrating my brother-in-law Bobby's birthday Friday night.  It was really fun to see the family and I always enjoy seeing my niece and nephew although my nephew was almost unrecognizable in his cool shades!

This is Brody, my nephew.  This wasn't taken at the party, nor is he wearing his shades, but he is still so cute!

This is a throw back picture of Hailee, my niece, celebrating the 4th.  I think she is about the same age as Brody in the picture above!  So cute!

Saturday, Jason and I got some much needed cleaning done around the house.  We also went over to our dear friends' John Michael and Rachael Hall's house to celebrate Rachael's birthday with some homemade ice cream cake!  To top off the night, we borrowed The Patriot from our friend Marc so that we could really get into the patriotic spirit!

Sunday, my wonderful husband took me to see the fireworks at Jordan Creek.  We got there early and listened to some live music and enjoyed each other's company.  There were no signs of where the fireworks were going to be shot off, so we didn't know if we had a good seat but... WE DID!  When the fireworks started, we realized we were in the PERFECT spot!  I had so much fun being right up in the action with my best friend!

Jason and me at Jordan Creek

Monday came and I got to spend some time with some of my closest girlfriends while Jason braved the heat in the Windsor Heights parade.  After the parade we went out to the church camp to help with the festivities our outreach group had planned for our church.  The night was a success!  After the talent show, Jason, our good friend Marc, and I went to get some 59 cent drinks at QT and what would the 4th be without sparklers?  We got back to the camp in time to celebrate with the sparklers and watch the WDM fireworks.

Jason and me at the camp!  With our tattoos!

It was a great weekend!  Thank you to my amazing husband for making my favorite holiday (and 5 month anniversary) very special!