cigars | "A Stitch in Time"

Well if we celebrate our homeland we must, of course, celebrate our new home’s birthday as well. However, this year not only was it the other side of the kids’ nationality, it was also the absolute opposite type of day. Where Canada Day was laid back and relaxed, full of colouring… playing in a garden and just us 7 transplanted peoples… July 4th was crazy busy and crowded and… LOUD! As Ken says (jokingly?) – it was all things AMERICAN.

July 4th is not only the birth of Independence and red, white and blue, but the birth of our only niece Gabriella. She turned 13 this year and due to an extended vacation (which I will talk ALL about when I FINALLY reflect on June) here in sunny Minnesota she was in state for her special day.

After breakfast and family pictures in the colours of the day… of course we took MULTIPLE! Poor Trinity has yet to forgive me after I had to give her sister her Hello Kitty themed July 4th shirt which had daddy running to the store the night before to get her the outfit for the day (a decidedly kitty free piece).

Then it was off to Cousin Gabbi’s 13th birthday party at a park not far from where Ken lived for most of his childhood (which we of course found a way to drive by). There was cake and presents and fun at the park.

Definitely a fun way for the kids to spend the morning before we said good bye to everyone… especially Aunty Faithe and Uncle Joe who would be flying back without seeing us again. Then it was home to prepare for our original plan – a family and friends BBQ at the Speltz’s (Karen Matthews and Renee Schwartz’s parents).

It was quite the event. The girls and I got to go LAST July 4th when the boys and Ken were camping with the family. This year not only was our whole family there but Renee and Chris there with their 3 kids. There was a bouncy house, the kiddy pool, a swingset and tons of yummy food and drink. Definitely a fun time for everyone.