we were independent on July 4th

We parted from tradition on July 4th this year.  We usually all gather with Bryan's extended family at his parents' home.  This year, my parents wanted to take Brett and Reggie on their special grandkids RV trip, and the week of the 4th of July was the only week they didn't have athletic obligations.  So, Brett and Reggie spent the 4th with my parents.  The rest of us went to Bryan's parents, but Bryan and I came home a couple days early and Lydia stayed to have some extra fun with her cousins.

Brett and Reggie and Grandma and Grandpa spent their week in Iowa.  They went to the Field of Dreams, stayed at a working dairy farm, went to a science museum, took in an air and fireworks display, and had lots of fishing, camping, and wiffle ball fun!

Their memories will last a lifetime!  I've also heard some stories about riding Grandma and Grandpa's ebikes that I'm sure they weren't supposed to tell me!

The three cousins enjoyed some extra hangout time with MeeMaw and Aunt Bonnie, made caramels,  went to the beach, and went on an adventure to Hobby Lobby!

Bryan and I enjoyed a night out, worked on house and yard projects, went to the community fireworks display, and did not take any pictures. 😉