Stay-cation over the 4th

As many of you know, we are in the process of adopting Mei-Mei from China.  And while we don't know anything yet, other than we have a LID (Log-In-Date) of 3/8/13, we know that we have a trip to China coming up....sometime!  That being said, it didn't seem to make much sense (financially or otherwise) to go on a big vacation this year.  So J took some time off this past week and we hung around here.  Not quite the same as a beachy vacay, but great to all be together!

While the weather has been iffy, the one day we decided to chance it and head out to Grandma and Grandpa's was perfect.  Calm water, lots of sun and just enough heat to make jumping and swimming in the lake feel refreshing.

On the actual holiday, we went to our village's annual carnival.  It really hasn't changed in 20+ years and many of the rides are still the same.  I doubt that any of the workers remain from when I went there as a pre-teen and a teenager, but you never know!  Ha!

All of the oldies but goodies are there.  Pony rides, bumper cars, ferris wheel and lots of spinney rides.  I used to love those but now, I get nauseous even swinging on a swing with the Noodle.  About all I can manage now is the carousal.

This was also the first year we stayed up for fireworks.  Even though it looked as storms were imminent, we braved it and walked to the end of our street. After setting up our chairs in the little park we were able to see fireworks all up and down the lake.  Perfect...and no dealing with crowds or long walks!!

Finally, we ended with a few friends and family coming over to celebrate the house finally being finished (is it every really?!).  It coincided with Uncle coming up and surprising Lollie and Papa--they were clueless--and him blessing our house.  Don't they just look thrilled!

And of course, no good party is complete without a trip to the ER, but more on that next time!