4th in Review

Hi all,
Hope everyone celebrated America's birthday with pride!

JULY 3

We had a full day of fun with friends. Actually, the fun started on July 3. We carvaned down to Monterey; did some ocean and tidepool exploring. We found tons of starfish and some sea lions lounging in the sun amongst some rocks in the ocean. We played with some crabs and admired all the varities of shells.

After a yummy lunch, we continued our trip down the highway to Santa Cruz. I had not been here in at least 5 years. We ventured onto the boardwalk along with 5,000 others. The kids were in heaven with all the rides. There was a good band on stage so we listened to the tunes for a bit.

After a very long day, the kids ran out of gas so we headed home. We did stop for dinner at Macaroni's (very delicious).

Upon our arrival at 11:00 p.m., everyone quickly and happily got ready for bed.

JULY 4

Today was dedicated to having fun with friends. We started off the festivities at our friend's Matt and Meghan's. All the kids had a blast playing in the pool (water guns and all). We had a BBQ lunch -- yes, we ate all weekend (isn't that what holidays are all about?).

From hear we headed to Peanut's and Monica's to a large gathering of friends. Again -- more eating (ribs, chicken, filet, hot dogs, sausages, potato salad, pasta salad, chips/dips, watermelon, ice cream pie). The kids, again, found the pool.

We hit the golf course for a spectacular view of the fireworks (which consisted of shows from 6 cities). It was a bit breezy but we bundled up and weathered the wind.

The troops finished off the evening with a poker game while the kids hit the hot tub. Never a dull moment in The Wood.

It was a spectacular day of friends, fireworks, fun and food!

Hope your holidays was as bright as mine.
V