Happy Fourth of July, my friends! I hope you celebrate in your favorite way. We began our celebration last night at Nicolas and Madison's beautiful home! Peyton and Chris are here for a bit, so I have all my people together for a few days! Yesterday began like this. The beach was calm and quiet, preparing for the crowds and chaos that were yet to come.
After I went to the pool for my swim and exercise time and showered, we rested and got ready to go to Madison's for dinner. I made a pan of brownies to bring. She had it decorated so festively, and she and Nicolas did a fantastic job of hosting.
She had delicious snacks and decorations set out. We visited, snacked, took pictures, and for some reason, when I saw this one, I thought to myself, " Those are my children! I did that! I think of them as small, you know. And probably always will. We were missing Rhett, who was working, because. Well, adult.
Nicolas grilled hot dogs, and Madison made her special potato salad, along with a fresh mozzarella, tomato, and basil salad as well. Delicious!
We sat outside to watch the stunning sunset, and then went back inside for dessert. Madison had a brownie and ice cream sundae bar!
Then, Steve, Flynn, and I went back to our house to pick up the pups before heading back into town, where I had to snap this picture in the sweater Madison got Flynn for no other reason than it appears to have Marty on the front!
We came back to the condo, and I went straight to wash my face, brush my teeth, and put on some jammies! Flynn and Steve stay up later, and I am the earlier riser. Hence, I see things like this.
And, I love it. Have a wonderful day, my friends. No matter if you enjoy a good old-fashioned cookout, or a quiet day inside safe and sound from the heat or the rain, watching fireworks on television, enjoy. Too often, we have an image of what certain days are supposed to look like. We feel pressured to achieve that preconceived notion and feel less than if we fall short of it. Show yourself grace, and let go of all that. You do you, my friends! Happy Fourth of July!
Billie Jo
It sounds & looks like your holiday weekend is off to a smashing start, Billie Jo. Nicolas & Madison made everything so nice for their guests! Beautiful. Continue to have a wonderful time. Happy 4th! Love, Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteHappy Fourth! Everything looks so lovely and nothing beats family time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a perfect evening! I'm glad you got that time together. Enjoy today!
ReplyDeletePS- Flynn's sweater is perfect!
Sounds like a great evening! Hope you have a wonderful 4th!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th of July, my friend. smiles
ReplyDeleteHappy Fourth of July 🇺🇸 to you, Billie Jo. Thank you for the bit about feeling less when we fall short of “what a holiday is supposed to be like”.
ReplyDeleteMary in OK
Happy 4th to you and yours! I enjoyed visiting here today, and always love your photos. God bless America!!
ReplyDeleteYou all had a wonderful day. Madison's photo is the most beautiful. Hugs BillieJo. God's abundant blessings to the entire family.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful celebration you had! Your daughters are so beautiful! And your shot of the sky is GORGEOUS!!!! Happy 4th, my friend!
ReplyDeleteLove the pictures of the kids. So fun.. Your spread looks like ours! Have a great 4th!
ReplyDeleteBillie Jo, thank you so much for your last meaningful paragraph. Happy 4th to you and yours! Marta
ReplyDeleteEnjoyable post, beautiful family, stunning sunrise, but also I love your admonition for us to show ourselves some grace. While we need to be humble and not demand of others, we all still need to be good to ourselves. Thank you for that. Happy 4th!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing your photos of all the food and fun! Celebrations with family are so special. I especially smiled over your beach photo. I am so wanting to spend some time at the beach. Sigh. That's what I get for moving from Florida to Tennessee! Have a happy 4th!
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