Fireworks and a little time at the beach

We didn't spend a lot of time at the beach today, but we had fun. I needed to grocery shop, so we went to the beach for about an hour before the power shopping began!
As you can see, the kids were very tired on the way home! :) They went down like ANGELS tonight!
Everyone, except for Nate is going for hair cuts tomorrow. Afterwards, the three of us are heading out to camp for the night and to visit with our relatives from Canada. It should be fun! :) I must say, I sure like having summer off!!!!

Sad Day

We felt so great adopting a dog for our home, but have found out the hard way that it isn't always the best. We had to surrender Jacob this afternoon. His behavior was unpredictable this week and my worst nightmare came true...he bit my friend's little girl. Thank God he didn't break her skin, but it doesn't truly make me feel any better. My love for children far outweighs my love for a dog. I want all children to feel safe and secure when entering our home.
Needless to say, we hope he can find a better home. We loved him while we had him, but we weren't the right home for him.
I'm so grateful to Nathan for being so wonderful about brining him in and not showing regret for the choice. I am also just as grateful to my wonderful friend for being so understanding when her daughter was hurt.

The Holiday

Small Town Parade :)

Cousins...Friends

Hi! (too bad this is overexposed...)

Enjoying the fireworks!

The Pyromaniac at workRandom photo...backwards photo...
Nate's new tattoo surrounding his old
(and fixed) tattoo

We had a very nice 4th of July weekend. Nate's sister was in town, so we were able to see her whole family. Unfortunately, Nate had to work during the parade, so he missed that. Brady did much better than I expected. He sat fairly well for the parade and the loud noises didn't seem to bother him a bit.
Faith starts VBS at my sister's church this week. It is sports themed and she can't wait. She is doing cheerleading... UGH! :) But, if she enjoys it, that's what matters most!
Brady has begun recognizing a bunch of things. It is so fun. Every time her hears a train, and can he hear them, he says, "Choo!" And, every time we drive by my dad's work he yells, "Papa!"
Faith's newest and cutest story: We went to my friend Janet's house and there were some workers across the street on a roof. I said, "Shhh. Listen, they are speaking Spanish." Then, she stops, listens, and says, "Mom, I think you're right. I think I heard one of them saying 'Backpack, backpack!" (If you've never seen Dora, you won't get it.) I had all I could do to contain myself and not laugh at the adorable, innocent comment. Too cute!!