Happy 4th of July

I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July! We had a great day and thats why this post is late. I just didn't get time to post yesterday. My 4th started early with a great surprise from my very dear friend. You might remember my friend from Here and Here. She left me this little cutie to start off my 4th of July. Isn't she so patriotic?
We were home for the 4th this year. Usually we're on vacation but we went early this year. Since we were home I was able to decorate the front porch and the back yard for a change.

On friday I didn't really have the extra time but I thought these were cute for our families 4th of July celebration. And I knew the kids would have fun with them. So I made 14 of them!
Their made with giant pixie stix. I looked all over Osky for them and the only place you can find giant pixie stixs is at Harry Green's. Or the "candy store" for those of you from the 'hood. It's the only place you can still find candy for a penny! For those not from the neighborhood, it's also known as South Seventh grocery.
You can download the directions here
It was glummy & misting most of the day on the 4th, but this is what our family did for fun.

We are very thankful for our family, friends and freedom. And we thank all of those service men and women who so bravely fight for our freedom. THANK YOU!!

Rub A Dub Dub

I am so far behind I'm still working on pictures of our dog when she was a puppy. She's 3 now! This is a layout I did a few weeks ago and I'm still not liking it. It needs more green and yellow. When I have a layout I don't like I usually leave it for a while and when an idea comes to me I'll make whatever changes that need to be made. But this one just isn't coming to me. As much as I hate to do it, I'll add this one to the album because I don't need perfection, I just want my family to be able to enjoy them.
Quick update on the really cute kid in the photo with the puppy. Ok Ok, I know the "kid" was actually 20 years old in these pictures. But his wife just called and told me he brought her flowers he picked from the side of the road. Aaaaaawwwwwww, isn't that sweet? I used to call him my dandilion kid for all of the dandiliions he would bring me. Ohhhh, those were the days. Now he went and grew up and now he brings his wife beautiful wildflowers from the side of the road. I'll see if I can get a picture when I'm at their house later.
I'm a little late but here are the beautiful flowers Tyler brought to his wife.