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Visiting at Dave and Amanda’s was Dave’s brother John and his wife Lynne.  I am bummed that I didn’t get a picture of the two of them together! 


Lynne’s mom is none other then one of my very bestest friends, Carol.  Carol and her husband Butch were also here visiting.

We all hung out and visited. We ate marinated flank steak, hot dogs, potato salad, chips & dip and cake. Everything was so good! The Wayneman had some beers because he is a man. But, he mostly liked the girly cocktails Amanda served up. Having a girly drink in his hand made him more approachable for Erica and Genoa. It says, “I am a man, but I also am not afraid to show my feminine side.”  I just have to laugh and say, “Oh my!”

Also there was Amanda’s sister, Audrey, Dave and John’s cousin John and his two kids. Of course, Alex and Genoa were there too. As well as, Dave and John’s mom, Carol. Not to be confused with Lynne’s mom, Carol.  Confused yet?

Alex was too cute! He was so excited he could barely contain himself. That is, until a neighbor’s fireworks would go off and he would freeze and stare in amazement!

After we all gorged ourselves on all the delicious food, it was time to head out to the backyard and blow some stuff up. Here’s John, Dave and John prepping their arsenal.

Genoa was in the 4th of July spirit too! I loved her patriotic little dress!

Sweet Erica also on had her 4th of July duds.

Of course, nothing says the 4th of July like some nice sparkler action! Here’s Alex giving them a whirl.

Erica and Genoa took turns sitting in Lynne’s protective arms while watching the show...

I wonder if the Wayneman had one too many Strawberry-tinis? He was pretty chill by this point in the evening. At least he kept his clothes on. Drunken Wayneman has issues with that. But, that’s another story for another day...

Finally it was time to start shooting off the fireworks. John and John did the honors and the kids loved it!

I just have to say that the 4th of July in Vancouver, Washington can be a big shock when you come from California where fireworks are illegal. In Vancouver, it seems like all fireworks are legal. This makes the 4th of July totally crazy! It is like a war-zone with all the noise. Like nothing I have ever experienced. People shoot off professional-style fireworks right in their front yards. It’s insane I tell ya!

I loved watching Carol and Genoa play together. They were so cute!

Jack thought the sparklers were a lot of fun too!

... while Dave and Amanda’s adorable dog, Harry sought refuge in his daddy’s arms. Poor little dude! He was tranquilized but still scared. I think my parents should open a 4th of July sanctuary for frightened dogs to come hang out during the fireworks. Now, that’s a good idea! Not sure my parents would think that though.

Genoa’s auntie Audrey gave her a helping hand with the sparklers.

We had an awesome time though!

Soon, the Wayneman and I had to head home to make sure our house wasn’t burnt to the ground from all the fireworks. On our way out, I took this shot of the moon. Mind you, it was a clear night. No clouds. That’s smoke covering the moon! Smoke from all the masses of fireworks going off in the area!

The kids loved the slide.  Here’s Alex having a go at it.

On Sunday, it was our turn to have everyone over at our house. Since the weather was warm and beautiful, we spent the evening outside. I borrowed my sister’s giant blow up pool for the kids to play in while they were here.

And here’s Genoa’s turn!  Looks like a blast doesn’t it?

I think Alex and Genoa really enjoyed themselves!

All of us grown ups had fun too!

I was happy to give Amanda a bit of a break from entertaining. I know she had been so busy all weekend having a house full of people. It was fun to just let her relax and enjoy herself!

Everyone hung out while the kids played in the pool. The Chicken Enchiladas were a hit. Carol asked me how I make my Spanish Rice because she really liked it. I told her the rice is very easy to make. I just pick up the phone and ask my mom to make it. No one makes Spanish Rice like my mom!


A couple of things completely cracked me up on Sunday. First off, it looks like the Wayneman has another young female admirer. Genoa seemed to think the Wayneman was hot stuff. She walked up to him and put her hand on him and asked him if he was married. That is too funny! Looks like Haley has some competition in her quest to marry the Wayneman.


At another point in the evening, I was sitting down drinking my pretty green Midori Sour and Genoa asked me what I was drinking with a hopeful look in her eye that she might get a sip. Lynne told Genoa, “Brandy is drinking a mommy drink.” Genoa said, “But, Brandy isn’t a mommy!”  Nothing gets by that kiddo. Then I said, “this is a grown up drink.” To that, Alex replied, “you’re not a grown up.”  Thanking Alex, I told him that sadly I was. To this Alex said, “well, you are the smallest, smallest grown up ever.”  Too funny!  Guess my short stature can be confusing sometimes!


All in all we had such a wonderful weekend with our wonderful friends! I can’t wait till we all can get together again! What a great way to spend our 4th of July weekend!


For Amanda’s take on our 4th of July fun, see her blog Mandajuice for more photos of our great time.