Happy 4th of July!

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Every 4th of July our daughter-in-law's sister hosts a picnic style party in her large backyard.  We arrived at the party around 2:30 p.m.  Our daughter-in-law has three sisters, and between the four of them there are 18 kids all pretty close in age [with one set of twins].  They have so much fun together.

Ellie in her 4th of July outfit getting ready to leave home for the party.

Jeremy and his 'Birthday Girl'

Jeremy and his father-in-law playing cornhole.

Izzy with her cousin, Alivia.  The weather looked 'iffy' for a bit but the clouds blew by without a drop of rain.

Ellie [4th from right] and her cousins on the trampoline.

Gift time!

Ellie liked her presents!

To bring this post around to tea... Jeremy gave me a tin of Kusmi Tea from Paris.  It's a brand I've never had before.  The blend is French Cancan - a black tea flavored with raspberry, strawberry, redcurrant, and cherry flavoring.  Sounds good!  I can't wait to try it tomorrow.

It's been a wonderful 4th of July.  May God continue to bless America... and Ellie too!

Happy 4th of July!

When I woke up this morning, the photo below was in an e-mail from the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, MI.  I tried to find out how many American flags line the 660-ft. front porch, but couldn't find the answer.  There are several, and they're a beautiful sight.  

Americans began observing the 4th of July as early as 1777, when the first-ever major celebration in Philadelphia included a parade, a 13-shot cannon salute, and fireworks, but Congress didn't make it official until 1870, when it was part of a bill passed to recognize major state holidays at a federal level like Independence Day, Christmas and New Year's Day.  The 4th did not become a paid legal holiday until 1938, as part of a bill that granted holiday leave to employees of the federal government.

P.S.  The Grand Hotel e-mailed me to say there are 10 American flags hanging from their front porch!  Thank you for answering my question, Grand Hotel!

Happy Birthday, America!

~ Sharing blog photos from previous holidays at my house. ~

 God Bless America, and have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Two 4th of July Birthday Celebrations

Happy 237th Birthday to the United States of America!  

While looking through the June/July Family Fun magazine recently, I saw a photo entitled, "Breakfast of Patriots."  It looked pretty, tasty, and easy, so I made it for breakfast today.   Directions said children could even make it 'independently'!  ;-)

One piece of toast spread with soft-spread cream cheese, with stars [blueberries] and stripes [strawberries] pressed into place.  Enjoyed with a cup of  tea.  How easy is that!

Happy 4th of July!
God Bless America!

Today is also my sweet granddaughter, Ellie's, 'First Birthday.'  

I found the perfect card for her!



And I happily bought her first tea set.

Now if only I could have found a patriotic sundress with a red/white/blue teapot applique. Instead I had to settle for butterflies!  ;-)

Let's party!

Ellie and Mommy [daughter-in-law, Samantha].  Can you tell she just woke up from a nap and wasn't quite ready to be photographed?  ;-)

 Papa, Ellie, and Nana

Aunt Lori [my daughter], and Ellie

Enjoying the swing. 



Daddy [youngest son, Jeremy] and Ellie - She's not quite ready yet to start walking.

Sampling her first birthday cake! 
[You know this topless photo is going to embarrass her someday! ;-)]

Where's the Wet Wipes?

The birthday girl with big sister, Izzy, and big brother, Landon.



Tiffany [my first-born granddaughter], with Ellie [my last-born granddaughter]. 



What a fun day making memories!