Celebrating Independence

We were counting down the days to the 4th of July because that was Zach's first day of his 10-day leave, and I had taken a few days off to spend some time with family. It was such a nice break. Kyle got the day off for the 4th, too, so we went to Hennessey together and then he left me there and joined us again when he got off work on Saturday.

We truly were celebrating independence on the 4th, especially Zach who was excited to have a week away from the base. We did all kinds of fun things during his trip like extended family gatherings, volleyball games, swimming, trips to the park, movie watching, cookouts, late night Sonic runs, etc. All of our favorite Hennessey activities. Before I knew it, Thursday was here and I was saying my goodbyes to Zach. Luckily Kyle and I had Ft Worth to distract us from missing family too much in the final days before Zach flew back to California. 

Here are some of the fun memories we made during that time. It's hard to believe Zach left for boot camp just a little over a year ago. It seems much longer to me.

 Excited for the 4th! 

 Asher couldn't wait to show us his fireworks. I learned poppers have advanced quite a bit since I was little, however, there were still plenty of duds in his box, just like old times! 

 While we waited on Zach and the rest of the family to arrive that evening, Kyle decided to do a little chipping. 

 The 4th of July just doesn't feel right unless you can enjoy some homemade Butterfinger ice cream. Yummm!

 Mom wanted a family picture since this is the last time we'll all be together until Christmas. Unfortunately this is what she got. We couldn't quite get our act together.

 Sparkler time! I haven't done a sparkler since I burnt my finger with one at Mac and Tammy's country house in Hennessey. That was a LONG time ago, and I had no intention of breaking the tradition, so I just watched as Asher showed off. 

 For the first time in maybe ever Hennessey did not do a firework show this year. How disappointing. So we settled for some fountains in the backyard. 

 The dogs did really well with all of the fireworks. Scout got a little curious once but still managed to stay safe.

 We enjoyed the show from the new deck. Grandpa, Tammy and Mac, Tracy and Gene, Terry, Cheryl, Steyan, Blair and Fenley all came to celebrate with us. It was so much fun.

Josh got braver and braver as the night went on, lighting one before the other was over. It made for a good show. 

 Instead of sticking around for the non fireworks in Hennessey, Kyle came back to Stillwater to shoot off some big fireworks he bought. He had a great time entertaining impressing his work friends with his fireworks. That's right, much to my horror, he's a big spender when it comes to fireworks. (It's only once a year, it's only once a year, it's only once a year...)

 We did a volleyball rematch with Lisa and Ty that had me feeling pretty good about my athletic abilities. That is until we got on the tennis court. That sport just isn't for me. After a pathetic couple of games, Mom came to the rescue and took my spot. She did darn good, too. It must be all that Donahue blood in her veins!

 Asher felt a little left out when we were all playing volleyball, so Mom broke out the T-ball so he could practice his skills. He had great aim! 

 Asher had one eye out the window looking for swishing tails, and when he saw some, we had to go visit Jean Ann's cows.

 Fun times at Bullfoot Park. I thought he would want to play on the jungle gym, but I should have known better. He wanted to play cougar chasing a mountain goat, a mountain lion chasing an elk, etc. That boy lives and breathes animals ALL DAY LONG. 

 We did get him to swing for about 2.5 seconds, though. 

 He was showing us how he can pump his legs, but he got a little too high for comfort. He is a very cautious child and no matter how hard Uncle tried, he couldn't make him conquer his fears. I didn't get a picture of this, but he also did hopscotch at the park. That's the first time I'd ever seen him do that and he did so well! 

 There is nothing like a boy and his stick. Or in this case, his bow. He's quite the little hunter. 

 Asher was pouting because he couldn't do something he wanted to do. His life is just so hard! 

 We watched a movie at Asher's house so we could play with him in his room before bed. At one point he had a four-person audience watching the giraffes in the zoo.

Asher was telling me where he got his camel cuddle buddy, and it was so cute, I just had to get a video:

 Joe and Diane were so great to offer their pool to us. We went twice and had a great time. Asher even took his floaties off for short periods of time, as long as he was still holding our hands.  He also showed us some tricks that Miss Lexi taught him at swimming lessons.

 We even made it to Stillwater one afternoon for a little shopping. At TJ Maxx, Asher walked in and saw some towels. He touched them and said, "These will be so soft on our baby's skin!" It was precious. For those of you who don't know, Josh and Stacy are pregnant again, and this Aunt is so excited! 

 Back at Mom and Dad's building corrals for animals of course. Asher and Uncle have so much fun together!

 Are you really asking me to stop pretending to be a sheep just so you can take my picture? 

 Cooling off in the pool.

Overall it was a great trip and we won't soon forget it!