We returned a while ago from our delightful annual mountain trip with Andrew's family. We have developed some traditions that are becoming quite dear to us and I imagine our children will have wonderful associations with these "July 4th" things that we enjoy so much...
~The road trip that includes a stop for produce and boiled peanuts...
~And, of course, includes some projects for Mama to work on in the car and continue working on on the porch all week. This year I worked on binding my sister's wedding quilt and knitting a sweater for Anna (because I don't know how I could get through July without starting a sweater ;-)
~Silly red,white, and blue attire and pinwheels.
~Family pictures.
~The perfect small town American parade including bright sunshine, gathering handfuls of candy off the steaming asphalt, and waving to various county politicians and family reunion groups in the procession.
~Lots of great cousin time... especially matching cousin time;-)
~Enjoying all our meals on the front porch picnic tables.
~Eating our homemade peach ice cream on the porch swing and going straight back for seconds.
~Everyone bringing their garden produce to share... this year we enjoyed an afternoon shelling a MESS of black eyed peas from our garden.
~ Some close encounters with the elk of Cataloochee during our evening hike and picnic there.
~ a little antiquing here and there...
~ and coming home tired, but refreshed!
