God bless America!

We had a fun 4th shared with the Gilbert clan!  Sadly Kevin couldn't join our escapade up to Royal so we started our day out together as a family at the local parade.  Andy's apparently turning his nose up at the abundance of tootsie rolls and scarcity of lollipops the parade produced.

 Some Hermiston buddies, the Adairs, Dickmans, Thomas', and Bliss' (hiding).

Then, we kissed goodbye to Kevin and were off to Royal for some cousin time!  

All the awesome Grandsons!  Brian, Logan & Dane, Carson, Jackson, Jovey, and Andy.   

And some of the awesome-ist Aunts and Uncle Jory.  Then Grandma and Grandpa, where Kevin gets his bewitching good looks! 

This place is a true country oasis!  Some of the Gilbert's friends built this slice of heaven and were so nice to let us come beat the heat.  I came unprepared and ended up going down the slide fully clothed with Andy.  It's official, I want one!!!

 I thought the slide might freak Andy out, but instead, he let out a little "yee-haw" on our way down.  He preferred the edge of the water though, where he could sit and toss rocks.  It's his latest favorite past time.

And what he's doing here as well.  He could have done this into the night but I forced him in for a bath :).

 Thank you Grandma and Grandpa Gilbert!  We always love seeing you!  And it was so good to see everyone else, especially Shannon and Jory's family who are rebelliously far away!  Love you all!!!

" God bless America, my home sweet home!"