For us, July 4 has always been family time, and now for quiet a while "cousin" time.
When I was young we would usually work in our vegetable garden on the 4th and then my dad would take us all to Chilhowee lake for the day. Sometimes we would even spend the whole weekend. Our camping out was throwing a large tarp through the trees, and sleeping bags on the hard ground, or if you were lucky, an army cot. My cousins and I would spend every moment swimming in the lake.
Now we have a pool and for the last dozen years or so, it is filled with cousins on the 4th. This year Nancy, Les, Jesse Anne, Maggie, Morgan, Joe, Grace, and Jake were with us. We missed Kate, who is giving up a week of her summer vacation to do mission work in Guatamala. I know the Simpson clan is very proud of her, as we all are! Jessie was off from work so she and her friend Kathyrn came over as well. (their husbands decided that playing golf was a better way to spend the day.) We had a great time and watched amazing fireworks later at the Simpson farm.
Thanks friends and family for a great 4th of July!
Thanks Tanner & family. I enjoyed the blog you did with your mother. It brought back memories to me, too. I used to spend a lot of time at Chilhowee Lake.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you had a really great family Independence Day celebration. Hope you'll enjoy the rest of your summer!
Dianne
From Nancy:
ReplyDeleteThe fourth of July tradition at Greg and Lynette's is a time our family cherishes! It's a relaxing day filled with catch up chats around every corner of the pool, laughter, pool games, and splashes. Lynette can spread a picnic with great ease while Greg roast the hotdogs-what a couple! You never know who's gonna show up but all are welcome. I think Jessie said it best-it's relaxed day with no pushy agenda-just kick back and enjoy. I wonder how many have learned to jump off the diving board and swim to the ladder on this day. All wait for Tanner to take his dip into the pool and have a water war. When the day is done you walk away with a peaceful feeling deep down in your soul. We are blessed to have such a time together. Thanks Hutsell's for always opening your home and creating an environment where all want to gather. We will be back now you hear!
from Lori:
ReplyDeleteLove it! I will be watching! Love you guys!
Lori