A Big Bash. . .

This past Sunday we had our first ever Forth of July party!  Our friends from Boston came in with their beautiful children to stay with us.  Steve was Jared's childhood friend and neighbor and they are as close as brothers.  In fact, both families were very close and still are.  So. . . we decided to do a little reunion so Jared's entire family came as well as Steve's parents for the day.

There were so many things that needed to be done inside and outside of the house.  It is so NICE today to sit back and have those burdens lifted even though it about killed us last week getting ready!

Even the chicken coop got decked out. . .

and the porches. . .

and all of the nook and crannies inside. . .

I knew it was going to be hot that day so we made a little trade with our friends who own a jumpy business and got this awesome water slide that kept the kids cool all day.  We have well water however with a high sulfur content at times so they were a little smelly but they were cool!  Christian is in the middle with my nephews David and Maddox.

Here's Noah with my littlest nephew, Jonathon. . .

We had an entire desert bar including cupcake ice cream cones that my sister-in-law made.  Sweet Ella enjoyed hers very much.  I already miss her "Good Morning" every morning, even when it may have been 5:30 a.m.!

Our friends that stayed with us, Steve and Nicole . . .

Jared and his sister (this one is for you Melinda!). . .

We had an old coke cooler on the deck filled with sodas (I can't believe I forgot to take a picture - I love that thing!).  We weren't sure if it would still work but it did!  The kids helped themselves to it all day long as you can see from Jonathon's upper lip!

 

And of course our Go-Kart path was run down by the end of the day.  Nicole wanted to go for a ride - doesn't she look a bit scared??!

 

We ended the day with fireworks of course, the biggest we have ever done.  We had such a great time and hope to do it again next year.  We miss everyone so much already - its so quiet around here!

Aside from this, I have been very busy with our July release!!  Look for the previews to start this week here and on the Mercantile blog.  And just a little spoiler. . . it includes a holiday line for Christmas and Halloween - a first for us.  I'm so very excited to show you!