Happy 4th of July, Y'all!

Mom, that "y'all," it was for you. ;p

Brian and I were both able to get a few days off surrounding the 4th so we headed for home! The best part, we got to take Sam with us. :)

Pitstop. ... PHOTOSHOOT.

Not sure what we're doing here but we look like sun worshippers. What can we say, us Pacific Northwesterners get reeeeally excited when the sun comes to call...

Following our mini shoot, we hit the road again and enjoyed our handcrafted, loaded sandwhiches complete with itsy bitsy heirloom tomatoes. YUM!

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The morning of the fourth mi maMa made her (World's Best) Cinnamon Rolls.

They were delectable. As always.

After breakfast we hopped in Dad's truck and headed out to the bay to launch the boat.

The water was smooth and it was a gorgeous day for a trip to Eliza Island where Sis-in-Law Amy's parent's have a cute little cabin.

I call these Brian's and Millie's "hospital pics." Brian wasn't able to meet Millie when she was born and he hadn't made it home since then, so this was their first time meeting.

Beautiful baby girl, how precious you are...and so festive!

As you can see, MillieGirl was a big hit with us. :)

Just chillin'

(This is what vaca should look like.)

Barb giving mi maMa a little island tour.

(Sam and I were supposed to be part of the tour too. We got distracted. :)

Vince and his banjo headed to the beach.

God's gorgeous creation. To Him all glory, honor and praise is due.

Baby snails attached to the rocks.

If only you could hear the sound effects that went along with this pic...

Back in the boats, headed for home.

Bu-Bye Eliza Island! Thanks for the invite and the fun, Wayne and Barb and fam!

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Upon returning home there was work to be done! We washed the inside and outside of the boat (stupid salt water), and then moved on to the Mustang. No one else was all too on board with this last task but it needed to be done and I figured my dad couldn't deny me the privilege of driving his car if I had cleaned it for him. So, yes it was a scheme and it worked!!!

Here I am, driving his car for the first time. It's pretty fun, [once you figure it out. ;]

After our family BBQ in the park we took Sam for a little tour. We started in what could just as well be called Evernook. I showed her the house we lived in when I was a wee one. We showed her where I went to school and downtown Ltown. I still haven't gotten to shop inside the recently opened Cheeks but someday, oh someday, I'm gonna go wild in there!

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We spent Tuesday at the ranch with the kiddos in their awesome "new" backyard. We had Tuesday night dinner at Dad's and Mom's as usual. Mom and Tess usually drive to town to walk but we talked them into staying home since it was our last night. Of course, (we should have known) they were still determined to work out. Bro-in-law Brian came up with the 'brilliant' idea to circuit train. It was hilarious. 

Here's some documentation from our kiddo pool party, four-wheeler fun, and circuit training madness.

While Dad and Kolter did this...

a few of us did this...

So tired, but so entertained.

Feet in the pool, cooling off.

We kind of look like eachother, except the mustache and braid factors.

After working out comes dessert, right?! Mom went inside for a bit and came out with these...

Amish Cream Cheese Brownies topped with fresh strawberries and whip!

(Baker: Gma B...Assembler: mi maMa)

After dessert we got the map out and Brian and I discussed our upcoming roadtrip to the midwest with Bro-in-Law Brian.

As you can see by my facial expression, it's going to be quite something.

Following is a video, just for giggles, of our Tuesday night fun.

Note Sydni's killer push ups. ;)

*Be sure to silence the music (at bottom of blog) before playing the video.

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Wednesday morning, before hittin' the road, we had another a.ma.zing breakfast. I should have photographed it. (Sorry, I was too busy drooling. ;p )

Seriously though, it was beautiful.

Nutella, Spread it generously!

+

Fresh Strawberries, Slice 'em thick!

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Dave's Killer Bread, Toast it!

Everybody, go to the store, buy the necessary goods, go home. Feast.