4th of July America is 250

We've had this tradition for the past few Fourth of July's. We are so grateful for some friends that live nearby that host a very fun and patriotic block party gathering on the fourth. This is the 3rd year we've attended (missed 2024 when we were in Vegas). They started this tradition in 2020 when the Edina Parade was cancelled due to covid and this gather has stuck ever since. 

We gather, sing a verse of America the Beautiful, do a popcorn reading of the declaration of independence and MLKs Dream Speech. Then there is a guest speaker and a SURPRISE for the kids, then they do a parade around the block. 

Thomas read a few lines, then it was time for the surprise reveal. A dunk tank! Where we DUNKED THE KING (aka the host's youngest son) but not before the kids answered 8 correct citizenship test questions. 

Thomas even took a turn in the tank. 

We got home then the girls and I changed and loaded up the paddle boards to meet a friend at the beach. Not our close beach but the one across the lake. So we pulled the boards to hidden beach, then road them across to point beach to play and visit. 

CRAZY busy hidden beach! 

Very sunny 4th of July. We talked about going to see fireworks but then a huge storm came through about 7:30pm so we opted to just head to bed about 9:30 instead of staying up to see fireworks once it stopped raining. 

June 29 - July 3rd

 

Monday June 29th we got new windows put in the office, Tuesday they came and finished up the framing/trim. I also had a raining swim that morning.

When miracles happen I have to document, all four kids were playing four square in the backyard. This did last only about 5 minutes before it ends in tears, yelling, and the start of a sibling war. 

That evening Kyle and I went for a walk to the lake while the kids were being couch potatoes. We take for granted where we live and this week we were reminded of the beauty that surrounds us. We just have to get out and enjoy it! We walked to the dock that is a quarter mile from our back door. It was a beautiful night. The resident muskrat made his way over then we saw a family of raccoons peeking out for their evening adventure. A mama and three littles. 

Wednesday I worked, then Kyle and I went for a heated early evening run. Phew it was HOT! We made it 4.5 or so miles, Oakley was with and he was so hot too. 

Boys had baseball practice, I showered and convinced the girls to come to the lake to see if we could see the raccoon family again. They had come out at 8:37pm the night before. 8:40 rolled around and no raccoons but I did see the same two muskrats. 

Made another walk to the lake Thursday evening. 

Friday morning I met up with a friend to run 6 miles around Lake Harriet. Started off as a rainy run, but it was delightful. 

Friday afternoon we went to the Edina Aquatic Park for a couple hours, enjoying summer!