Happy Birthday to the United States! (and me!)

It was a very eventful weekend at my parent's house, our entire family was together. In addition to the city breakfasts, the parades and the fireworks; we also celebrated my birthday. I was very excited to recieve a camera because my old one bit the dust three years ago (I dropped it at Letchworth.) Despite what the first picture shows, I am not that bad of a photographer, I was just getting used to the settings.
Photo #1: Josh and Hilary gearing up for the city fireworks. We played a few hands of Uno and Hilary dominated (it was because she brought her A game.)
While we watched the fireworks I tried the "firework show" option on my camera. I was surprised that they sort of turned out:


My hometown goes all out with the fireworks: music and everything. This year there were some technical difficulties including problems with the sound system, multiple "intermissions" between bursts of fireworks, and a possible accident. We were crossing Main and a fire truck almost ran us over. It wasn't like we were just crossing because we felt like it, the light said it was okay and the truck just honked at us, it didn't charge or anything.

Even better than the fireworks was the presence of Avery, my niece. She is so cute! I made her a dress to wear on the fourth. I realized a day later that I hadn't taken any good shots of her in the dress. I have this one from the day of:
And this one from the morning after. She was so tired that it became a nightgown too. I was afraid that it wasn't going to fit her but it did! Ave is so tiny!

After church (and a VERY nice visit with my friend, Brandi) I went to my aunt and uncle's house for a family party to celebrate birthdays in June and July. I saw many interesting things such as...
My cousin's cast and crutches:
Another cousin's unusual manner of greeting someone holding a camera:


And the strange practices of trying to cram too many people in one photo:

All in all it was a very enjoyable evening spent with family. My aunt Kathryn made a delicious cake with a WHOLE lot of names on it (including USA!)
Here is a partial picture of the attendees:

We took a bunch of pictures but this one was the best (Travis wasn't making rabbit ears in this one.)
A birthday picture with my Grandma and Grandpa:
Thanks for everything!


Oh, one more thing, for old times sake. This is a picture of my Grandpa with Avery, giving her a "horsey ride." This is a tradition and I'm glad I was able to capture it.
Avery is enjoying it, just like we enjoyed it.