Folk Music Festival

Yesterday was my birthday.  To celebrate we decided to go to a small festival and concert in the park at a local historical society.  The place was still decorated for Independence Day, and they had a couple of folk bands playing on the front porch. 

Listening to the band play folk music

We had fun with a picnic lunch and listening to music.  Afterwards, we walked around.  Older kids were playing games children played 100 years ago, and getting their faces painted.  Ellie will have to wait a few years for that.  We toured the museum which was full of items once belonging to Harriet Beecher Stowe, including a magnolia she painted that reminded me a lot of one my Granny made.  We also toured an old farmhouse set up like it was at the turn of the 20th century.  Then we walked along the St. John's River (where there was a nice breeze, offering us some respite from the heat).  They also had a car show, so Jeff was happy about that! 

It was a nice little festival, and I think we'll try to go back next year. 

Walking along the river

Big girl!  Finally drinking out of a sippy cup

Enjoying the breeze and the music

July 4th

The 4th of July is a big deal in our house.  Not only are we celebrating Independence Day, but also it is Jeff's birthday, and the start of a 10 day birthday bonanza (Jeff - 7/4, Amanda - 7/7, Ellie - 7/14).  We had a really fun day yesterday.

 

 

Ellie's birthday present to her Daddy was an extra hour of sleep.  She slept until 8:15, which was awesome for all of us! he morning was pretty lazy -- Ellie played and we relaxed.  Then, we spent part of the afternoon at the pool.  Ellie is really enjoying playing in the water now, and even spent some time in her boat float.  She also likes to watch all of the big kids play. 

 

 

We also played in the front yard (and Jeff made time to cut the grass, too, being the first day all week that it didn't rain at our house).  Ellie loved watching bubbles float by, and even tried to chase after a few of them. 

 



Playing with bubbles!

Daddy found a rolly poly (or pill bug, depending on where you're from) that Ellie was very intrigued by.


 After a delicious dinner of cheeseburgers, potato salad, and tomato, peach and goat cheese salad, we went back out front to play with sparklers.  Ellie had fun watching the sparklers, but I think she had even more fun just running around and playing in the yard (and the truck bed).



Look at Mama's sparklers!

Just like Daddy -- already interested in cars!

 The day ended with dessert.  Jeff asked for a vanilla cake with cream cheese icing.  I decided to add some fresh strawberries to it too.  I had intended on putting blueberries on the top to make it red, white, and blue, but I forgot those!  He had blue candles instead.  Jeff loved the cake, and said it might be his regular birthday cake from now on.  It was a great day and a great way to start our family birthday celebration!