A 4th of July to remember!

For the last 25 years my parents have had a backyard bbq on the 4th.  This year we decided to stay home and relax instead of making the drive up to OKC.  We have several more trips over the next 2 months and wanted to take it easy while we could.  I talked to my mom on Friday as they were getting things ready for the next day and really wished we had gone up for the party.  We changed our plans last minute and drove up for the day Saturday (without telling anyone we were coming!)  It was a great surprise and we had a wonderful day, but it was unlike any other July 4th party we've had.  In the 25 years they've been doing this, it had never rained.  Until this year.  The afternoon was cloudy but nice and we got some time outside with the girls, took some cute pictures, and let them release some energy from the morning's drive.

sweet sister hugs

all set for the party!

taking a break on our walk

relaxing with daddy

the grandkids with Nana

checking out Nana's beautiful hydrangeas

stopping to smell the flowers

As we were coming down the driveway from our walk around the block we saw my dad frantically taking drinks, chairs, decorations back inside.  We helped put everything away and got inside just in time for everyone to start coming...and for the rain to start.  No big deal, just a little rain.  We still ate plenty of great food and had a blast.  Then the power went out.  The clouds from the storm were so dark that it looked more like 9:30 at night instead of 6:30.  We lit candles, found flashlights and made the best of it!

Josh & Sarabeth eating with John & Susan in by candlelight

A bbq in the dark

The rain finally slowed down and it had cooled off outside.  The girls went out on the front porch and splashed in the puddles the rest of the night!  Just as we had packed up the car to head home the power came back on.  Go figure!  It was definitely a trip we'll never forget!

the girls catching some rain

splashing in the puddles