We had a wonderful week, full of fun and relaxation, with just enough work thrown in.  The weather has been great, with the occasional rainstorm to cool things down.  One morning, I was up early out in the neighborhood, and ran into this deer.  He just stared at me until a car drove by, and it was so peaceful.

Lily got to practice her baking skills, helping me make cookies and some other treats for the 4th of July.  She made the key lime cookies almost completely unassisted, except for the oven.  She is getting better and better, and I am so proud of her.

This week we were able to go to park day, and this time people showed up.  The kids were so very happy to get to play with friends, and I loved getting to sit and talk to friends as well.  The highlight for Lily, was when one of the boys caught a horny toad, and she got to play with it.  Because she was so excited to play with it, she ended up convincing all the other little girls to hold it too :).

The night before the 4th, there was a big community party, and we went with our friends, Morgan and Jenna.  Originally there were supposed to be fireworks, but they were canceled because of the fire.  There were still lots of fun activities though – little competitions, face painting, bouncy houses, yummy food, and there were even hot air balloons with tethered rides.  The kids even got to meet the Skysox mascot.

The next morning, we were up early and went to a Boy Scout pancake breakfast.  It was very fun, and pretty yummy, except for the sausage link they served me that was completely raw inside.  I guess they learned their lesson about letting Scouts cook them without people checking them first.  We still had a great time though.

Arthur got so bored of watching us all eat food he wasn't allowed to eat, that he eventually fell asleep in Morgan's arms :). 

The kids played with friends in the neighborhood when we got home, and later on we went to my friend Bonnie's house for a BBQ.  The kids played, people took turns holding Arthur, and we ate lots of yummy food. 

We had a wonderful time, and it helped distract me that it is only the second 4th of July that Kevin and I have ever spent apart.  I sure do miss my soldier, and Independence Day is a constant reminder to me of him, and all the other soldiers who are away from their families.

That night, I got the kids to bed early, since there weren't any nearby fireworks to watch – and I was too tired to drive across town to watch them.  To help make up for it – a little – I let Lily cuddle with me on the bed while we watched the fireworks in NYC on TV.

The rest of the week was pretty good as well.  I got to go on my date with Derek on Friday.  And on Saturday, I was able to go out with the Sister Missionaries from our church, and help them teach a lesson.  It was really wonderful, and reminded me of my mission.

That afternoon, we went dress shopping for Lily, and took the kids to get more of their fun and free things from summer reading programs.  When we were at Barnes and Noble, Arthur showed off his toe sucking skills, and kept stopping people in their tracks.  Our checker was especially impressed :).

And we were successful finding Lily a new dress.  She loved it so much, we bought it in the next size up in a different color too :).

It was a great week, and a wonderful way to begin our last month of summer.