4th of July weekend

We started the weekend by going to Massachusetts to put a roof on our house there. It was very labor intensive, but with a lot of help from friends and family we finished it in just 2 days.

kids on the roof with Sean

Finished house (Do you know anyone who would like to buy it?)


On the 4th of July we were invited to walk in the parade at the birthplace of the United States - Plymouth, MA

A great family we know started a non-profit summer camp for kids where they teach music, art, drama, and dance. They provide all the instruments you need and give scholarships to kids who can't afford to go, but would like to attend. They were invited to be in the parade to help get the word out. Part of the family played patriotic songs in the back of a pick up and we walked behind holding signs and handing out candy.

Sara isn't the sportiest of kids and doesn't have a lot of endurance. (Her favorite part of soccer was sitting on the sidelines, being goalie, and the snack). I think I found a sport for her though - PARADE WALKING!!!!! She loved every minute of waving to people and handing out candy. She ran or walked most all of the parade route in the heat and didn't complain at all.

Arts for all back of truck

Matthew and Sara handing out candy

Lily loved saying hi to everyone

Towards the end Sara took a break from walking to hold a sign in the wagon with Matthew

Freeze pops at Plymouth Rock park while we waited for Grandma to pick us up


Then we headed home to NJ and tried out our new slip in slide and had a little cookout.

Sara on the slip in slide

Matthew on the slip in slide

Lily on the slip in slide - don't let that concerned look fool you...she's always concerned

Squash from the garden and hot dogs on the fire pit


followed by smores



The next day we went to the park with some friends

Sara climbing at the park - Sara wanted to wear a dress to the park. I told her to wear shorts underneath. She asked why - I used this picture to show her.

boys in the tunnel