4th of July

I loved it all. Everyone bombarded the Hager family's home and due to their wonderful hosting, a great backyard where we could set up two mansion tents, family, and the joys of being together we had an amazing and fun weekend. My highlight was watching all the cousins and uncles play together. I am going to talk along with the pictures since so many delightful moments consumed the days, my words alone would do injustice of capturing the million moments of smiles.

With the Newkirk family, Blythe family, Miller family, Hager family, and Marc the house was full and as Leah's face expresses..... a little shocked but enjoying the explosion non the less. Yudi, Darren, and Ryan did such an amazing job as people were bursting out everywhere.

This cute little boy took having his house and yard taken over so well. He took everything in stride and if anyone gave him half a glance he was ready to meet your gaze with a smile. So naturally we were all looking at him.
My dear sister Danya and Sam. It did my heart so good to hug her and to see her family. The kids have grown so much and as always I left her wishing that they lived closer so that the visits between cousins was not so infrequent and far apart.
This beautiful family hosted with such graciousness. They will soon be a family of four and words can not capture my happiness for them. Love this family!!!!!
The guys would periodically take breaks from all the activities so play some cards.
At first Ethan was the one shooting Marc but if anyone knows Marc than you should know that if you squirt him than you are asking to get wet. I am pretty sure that Ethan loved every second of it.
Ryan and his Aunty Elana enjoying each other. Actually I think Ryan was saying, If I give you a cute grin can you take me to the water.
The race was on between the two 7 year old cousins. If Sam won than Ethan would politely ask if they could try it again. These two boys got along so well and were the best of competitive friends.
Emma and Brooklyn had their turn of racing too but they just enjoyed the fun of it with no competitive motivation spurring them on.
The four sisters enjoying our time around the table. It was great sitting together with them throughout the weekend and being with my sisters.
Smore time.
Josh helping Emma with her sparkler.
The kids watching the couple fireworks that Darren did set off before we all agreed (except Yoel) that the fireworks might not be completely worth the thousand dollar fine and Sam's fingers.
We set up two mansion tents in the backyard. It was the first camping trip for the Blythe family and our kids were just happy to be in a tent. Emma slept in the longest I think she has ever slept in, in her life. She did not wake up till 9:30 the next morning. So maybe I just need to have her sleep in a tent whenever I want to sleep in in the morning.
Matt and Leah working together on a project.
Brooklyn and Emma spent a lot of time on the hammock. Actually Brooklyn loved the hammock so much and spent most of her time relaxing on it. She even made rules about how many people could be on it and their gender. I think at one point it was one girl and one boy were allowed to be on the hammock.
Yoel, Ethan, and Leah
The boys. Danya got each of the boys a gap shirt and so naturally we had to do a photo shoot of them. Yoel 12, Matt 10, Ethan 7, Sam 7, and Ryan 1.
We made it home in time for the fireworks.
Hawthorne was glad to have his boy back and Sam was glad to have his dog.
It was such a wonderful 4th of July. The display of colors and explosions made me thankful of the colorful and unique personalities that make up our family. Loved spending time with my sisters and brothers. Loved watching all the cousins play together. Loved the family time and all the new memories made.
Thank you again Yudi and Darren for such a wonderful time. Love you