May the 4th be with you...

So we have survived another holiday here in the home of the Crazy 8. Honestly, it was quiet and chill and nothing like previous years which is both kind of sad but also exciting. New changes are good and this just paves the way for incredible traditions to begin. This year I just needed a break from the norm and that is what we got!

This year could potentially be the last year we get to celebrate the tradition of July 3rd at my parents house because next year they plan on putting it up for sale. This will for sure be an end of an era when that happens and although I know I am a big girl, I will have my own house with my own family...the traditions that will fade away will never be forgotten!

On that note.

We got to share this holiday with none of the normal people and although I was a little nostalgic it was also great to just be with my parents, our kids and each other. My dad had told me a while back that he had invited his ballet folklorico group over and I know how giant that crowd can be so I didn't really want to add to the amounts of people. Its been a while since my dad had a gathering of his own. So instead, since I had my kids and Jared was lucky enough to go in late on the 3rd we also had his kids down. We ate some grubbin' Mexican food that the dancers and their families brought and we sat around just relaxing. While of course the kids ran amuck and were hyper as can be making friends with strangers. Okay, not strangers, but you catch my drift.

The fireworks went off unusually late but as always it was great to watch from our backyard and knowing that this tradition may be coming to an end it was nice to share it with Jared and our kids. Glad he got to be a part of a tradition I hold so close to my heart.

The next day on the 4th I did something I don't normally do and I braved downtown Napa with Jared and only 2 of our kiddos, Laneya and Rian. We have in the past gone to certain business driveways or friends houses for the 4th but hey, with new people come new traditions. We were there a couple hours early so we took the kids to the bounce houses and such and then we left the chaos and the food trucks and headed to Don Perico (where we had our first date) and grubbed on some food, had some drinks and also some laughs.

Needless to say it will also probably be the last year I do downtown because man do people get rude! After we ate dinner Jared ran and grabbed the blanket and me and the kids staked out a spot on the bridge. We sat in our spot for about an hour with no one standing or getting to close to us. It was great. Then the first fireworks went off and BOOM, we had people standing in front of us left and right and if it weren't for my hand on his arm or perhaps the kids being present, I think Jared might have lost it on some folks. I mean. Seriously. What grown up stands in front of little kids after clearly SEEING they were right there. So lame. Either way the kids got to see the fireworks and so did we.

The weekend all in all was great and I am glad I got to share it with my love and the kids.

Let us not forget however that this holiday isn't just about bbq'ing, drinks and fireworks. Its about remembering those that serve our country and fight for our freedom. A huge thank you to each and every man and woman who have served time, continue to serve time or share a spouse or loved one who served time fighting for our freedoms.

A specially huge beaming smile came from me as I watched fireworks with the arm of my very own Air Force man wrapped tightly around me. I am so very proud of my USAF Man.

After the 4th Carina headed up to Reno to spend some time with her Nana while her and her hunny FINALLY tied the knot! Carina was given the honor of walking her Nana down the aisle and I am sure her Nana wouldn't have had it any other way.

The two little kids and I decided on an impromptu trip to NV as well to visit Rich and deliver his Fathers Day gift finally. He was out of town when we first put it together and so we were able to finally get it to him as he was having a 'down week' which is practically unheard of for him and Sherrie in the summers I guess! He had a rough week as he lost first, fell off a ladder trying to paint his house (don't worry...he was barely out a day when he was back up there...men!) and then later that week on the 4th he lost a person who was very near and dear to his heart. With all that going on the weekend couldn't have come at a better time to lift his spirits so me and ALL his kids and grandkids decided to come together and make a collage frame for him. We each took a pic and BOOM we had a great fathers day gift. Pinterest. I love you. By the time we left he was feeling a little better with a less heavy heart and I was proud to give him such a great present. We love you Rich!