the fourth + all things usa

The fourth of July. I simply love love love the festivities, fireworks, time outdoors, fireworks, national spirit, fireworks, and the abundance of activities centered around our friends. Oh, and the fireworks. Any of you that knew me as a child (ahem, high school student) would be shocked at how much my feelings towards those things have changed. :) They are now my favorite part of the day! 

This fourth was truly centered around those latter two things. Friends and fireworks. 

This year we had the privilege of introducing a new friend into the group, Alison's boyfriend Wesley - and to top it off - he isn't American... making this holiday and all things USA even more interesting for him (and all of us!). If I was him, my highlight (you know, other than being over here from Ireland to visit my special someone ;) would have to have been listening to Proud to be an American blare over the PA system while sitting in a blacked-out outdoor baseball stadium at night watching fireworks go off the day before Independence Day after watching the Twins get beat by the Yankees. Wow. It doesn't get much more patriotic than that! (He loved it, by the way).

Jared and I also had the fun experience of being on the big screen during the 6th inning and doing a quiz! Fun experience! 

The rest of the weekend breezed by with beautiful weather, time outdoors grilling, talking on the patio, girl time, guy time, classic 4th food, and a new location for fireworks viewing over the Stone Arch bridge in downtown Minneapolis.

I'm probably going to get in major trouble for that picture.... ;) but it is totally accurate. We laugh.

The fireworks and fanfare are all well and good, I love it all and it is such a fun holiday, but I do want to stop and thank not only the handful of you reading this that I know, but all those who have served or are currently serving in our military. We get to celebrate this day with the joy and fanfare we do because of you. Because of the past service and current service, sacrifice, time, dedication and honor you have given to our country. I don't take that lightly. Thank you. 

fourth of july.

Happy Independence Day! {5 days fashionably late...} 

It was truly a beautiful day. July sun, low humidity, blue sky, fellowship with friends, a grill... and an awesome fireworks display. Only thing missing on the 4th was a lake... but that delivered over the weekend. We had a great fourth. How about you?

We had all the boys together... that doesn't happen to often! 

We love the 4th - such a fun relaxed holiday. I love even more that everyone dresses so festive... and it's the thing to do. ;)

And the most memorable part of my day? Getting back to this scene...

Home, sweet home. I've truly allowed myself space from volleyball since college - I'm not in any leagues, I've only coached once, but it has been good space. It was an amazing time of my life, but that season has passed. And yet, it felt so good to be back.

Albeit, my neck was sore on Friday and I had bruises on my arms. If that doesn't tell me it's been awhile... the burns on the bottom of our feet sealed the deal. Yowza. So worth it.

Thanks to the lovely Mrs. Schutrop for taking some pics! The girls loved the park, everyone else was hangin' in the shade, and  it was so good to be outdoors.

The pups. Wolfgang "Puck" Schutrop & Emory Benedict. ;) Love them. 

The girls.

And the closer... 

Waiting...

Aubrey & Emma {ok, mostly Emma} were beyond excited for the fireworks. If my memory serves me correctly, I believe Emma is telling Jared here not to be scared when the first loud one comes. "It will be ok..." So precious.

Ba-boom.

Wrapping it up...

Hope you all had a relaxing, fun, playful, and thankful 4th! 

the NYE booth

a makeshift photobooth + a house full of friends on NYE. We were pretty excited to have everyone over.

I do believe this was the 10th annual group NYE. We've grown as a group, added a few members, deepened friendships, and it's fun to reminisce about where we've been. So here's to our friends! May 2013 bring you guys growth, blessings, and richness in your relationships. We love you all! Let's have a great year!

Hope you all had a bright and fun New Years! We look into this next year with anticipation for all the Lord will have in store for us. Blessings!