Keep Your Eye on the Grand Old Flag

Since the 4th of July is my favorite holiday next to Easter, I just came up with a little post-4th fun for everybody. Astrid, you're the only one who takes the time to comment on my blog, so you'll probably win...but you other readers (called "lurkers" or "lookies" in blog world), don't give up! You can always just e-mail me with the contest answer!!

Okay here it is: There are 10 separate American flags or flag facsimiles in the pictures that follow. If you can identify all 10 of them, you will win a patriotic treat and the hearty admiration of Americans everywhere. (Please note: you can't count stuff like the stars on Wynne's first dress or the stripes on Paige's shirt. You have to see stars & stripes together.) Good luck!

In the meantime, I shall recount our holiday weekend. It was a full one! Before I get started, a big shout-out and THANK YOU to Pastor Mark and the 18th Naval Mobile Construction Batallion departing from Mississippi and heading to Afghanistan this week. If it weren't for you and all American servicepeople all over the world, we wouldn't be able to have these Independence Day celebrations. I thank you and pray for your safe return home!!

First up, one of Cy's summer woodworking projects. I'll post another time about the cribbage board, tic-tac-toe game, and food tray he made. Didn't he do a great job??

Next up, one of Ally's baking projects. Ally loves to go on the Martha Stewart website in addition to her other interests such as dogs, architecture, American Girls, and Radio Disney. She made these for a few family get-togethers. (Wynne is being silly again.)

Last Friday night we went up to Marla and Paul's for a cook-out/campfire. Simon girls are never too far away from a volleyball, so all the cousins present joined in!

You'll notice a few empty chairs. Paige and Shae spent 3 nights at their cousin Brooke's house, and Cy was at Will's house that night. Mark and I had only our "bookends" with us that evening. It was weird! Anyway, my sister Marla does a great job with her backyard decor, flower beds, and garden. The place was all dudded up. (And Julie's Nick just got his drivers' permit. How in the heck can he be that old already??)

Paul did a super job with their patio. It's so nice and flat, large enough for a big family get-together.

Three outlaws in the back; two rebels in the front!!
(Anyone who marries into my side of the family is called an "outlaw". I don't think I need to explain much about Garrison and Wynne!)

Four-year-olds are so fun to cuddle with, right Sammie?

It was cool enough the other night to really enjoy the campfire and some fireworks.

Can't forget the sparklers!!

Next day, July 3rd, over to Glenn and (Mark's sister) Sara's house. Here's Sara being ever-patient and helpful with Wynne. Aunt Sara deserves a medal of honor for taking the twins into her home for 3 nights, 2 days, 2 nights beyond our planned stay. The girls loved every minute of their time with Brooke, Trevin, and Taylor and kept calling me asking to stay another night. Slacker Mom says "If it's alright with you, Sara...."

Glenn and Sara have been renting this expansive farmhouse, all re-done in the past few years. The huge front porch was breezy and inviting. We ate ring bologna, ribs, and Aunt Linda's to-die-for raspberry dessert. I always eat too much at Siegert family get-togethers. It's just obscene.

I should have joined my girls and Brooke for a little softball to burn off all that food!

More sparklers!

Saturday night fireworks compliments of Uncle Glenn. (You're not seeing Cy because he was off somewhere, sulking about not getting to use his baseball bat with his little sisters. Plus he was tired from his big day at the river with friends. Poor child.)

Pretty good for a home show!! (Don't ask him what it cost. Yikes!)

Fourth of July Fun for all! Thanks to our gracious hosts!


So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.--John 8:36