Jefferson Lives

I love the 4th of July. It is my second favorite day of the year with the order being Christmas Eve, 4th of July, my birthday, July 1st: the beginning of the fiscal year, anniversary, and groundhog day.

On July 4, 1826, 50 years after the Signing of the Declaration of Independence, the 2nd and 3rd Presidents of the U.S were both ill and were in the last day of their lives. Adams and Jefferson were what today would be known as freminies. They had completely different ideologies, yet had great respect for each other. The story is, that John Adams' final words were of his lifetime political rival and friend Thomas Jefferson. Adams died moments after uttering the phrase, "Thomas Jefferson survives," not knowing that Jefferson had actually passed hours before in Monticello, Virginia.

I love that story. Though it has been disputed as to how true that story actually is, that story is one of the many reasons I love history and was a history major. Two major figures of American History, rivals and friends, and both died 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. So in honor of America's Birthday I thoroughly enjoyed grilling, eating smores, drinking, golfing, and blowing up cheap Chinese fireworks! Ah the American Way!


Lillian and her Rapunzel Hair

Friday we were able to get to the cabin a little early. This allowed us time to relax, start making salads, and time to play with the kiddies. Lillian was so excited that Queenie got her clip on Rapunzel hair that she wore it the entire weekend. It was so funny, especially because it matched her hair color so well. Lillian told us that she was not going to be afraid of the Fireworks and gladly came along with us to watch the town fireworks in Crofton,Ne. That lasted about 1 minute and once again, Meghann was regulated into the car to watch the fireworks while Lillian covered her ears with her night night. We did have some improvement, because she opened her eyes and did watch a few of the displays!


LBJ enjoying one of many cupcakes!


Jamie, Matt, and Dad showing off their flag golf balls. They whined about me coming along, but I ended up placing 2nd out of all 4 of us. I lost to T.C. by one stroke.. damn it.. if only I could putt


Meghann and Clare on a boat cruise


Photographer Debbie


Captain Luke


Captain Lillian

Saturday we went for a boat cruise with Luke and Lillian. Of course they both wanted to drive so I helped them out a bit. Except Luke would point and yell at me to sit down in the seat next to him. He also repeatedly told me to take my hand off the wheel. He thinks sailboats are pirate ships, so he would point and yell that we needed to, "Get that guy!"


Clare and I on the boat



Riley and Matt officiated over the Flag Raising Ceremony this year. This involved the shooting of a bottle rocket and Matt looking like a State Trooper/Football Coach in his GH Football hat and aviators.


Dad and Matt, Doing what Men do, enjoying a cocktail in the water.


The Kajewski's on the boat


Clare enjoying her holiday with a boat nap

Lillian and Luke 4th Photo Montage

Smiling...


Being Silly...


And being even more Silly...

We celebrated the 4th on Sunday night as we all had to head back home on Monday. This meant that we blew a lot of stuff up. Walker Valley on the 4th of July is awesome. So many people are lighting off fireworks and sitting on the cabin's deck is the best spot in the Valley. Lillian and Luke weren't having anything to do with it and sat in the Living Room. We did open up the windows and they watched a few, but they soon moved to the couch and stayed away from the windows. Meghann will hopefully get to watch fireworks again in 5 years... She was the one who stood inside and cried until she was 12 over fireworks. At least that is what Dad says, so I guess payback sucks!


Jamie and Matt setting up the loot


Matt a little too excited to blow stuff up


Jem and Dad Cheering on the fireworks


America's Dog

Jem loves the fireworks. I love watching Jem watch the fireworks as much as I like watching the fireworks! Piper not so much. She shook so bad on the deck we had to put her in her kennel until they were over. Poor Piper.. She was just a little fuzzball of nerves from all the noise.

Well we had a fabulous fourth. Besides a little car drama during the week before, it was great. Both Matt and I's cars broke down in a matter of 10 hours last Wednesday. Needless to say it stressed us out a bit. We do not want to buy a new car, as both of our cars are paid for. But I have found that means we just get angry when they break down and we worry it is going to force us into buying a car. We are working very hard to drive those stupid things into the ground! They are now both fixed and we made it to the lake safely. I love all of us being shoved into the cabin for weekend fun. It will be interesting to see how we all do it as there are more grandkids and spouses that are added to the mix!

As usual Luke and Lillian were our entertainment, but Luke had some really memorable moments. Mom and dad put up a couple set of bunk beds in one of the rooms for the kids. Luke and Lillian each got to sleep in the bottom bunk and it all seemed good, until 8:30 on Saturday morning when Luke was no where to be found. After running around and panicking for a few minutes, Lukey Boy was found sound asleep upstairs by the door holding his night night and shoes.Luckily, Dad is good about locking the doors before he goes to bed, So Luke couldn't get anywhere. Luke told us he thought we all left him. Needless to say he was not allowed to sleep alone any of the other nights. I think Lukey Boy will be in the crib a little bit longer now too..

Luke also has become more of a repeater, which means we have to watch what we say... but we aren't the best at it. He kept asking Dad who was making all the noise and shooting off the fireworks. Dad jokingly said it was some guy, and said I hate that guy shooting fireworks. So Luke proceeded to say "I hate that guy" every time he heard a firework go off. A 2 year old should not say hate, but it was so funny. We would ask Luke who shot off the firework and he would go, "A guy. I hate that guy." Oh kids say the darnedest things...

Well this weekend we will travel to Des Moines to meet our new niece. It is planned that she will arrive by C-section this Friday. We are very excited to meet her! I then leave on Tuesday to join my family and the Palmer crew and Shepard Crew for a few days at the Wisconsin Dells. So more fun for us is on the way! Hope everyone else is having a great summer!!



My favorite Time on the lake. Late afternoon/early evening when the sun is beginning to set. I hope this is one of my last images I see before I die. Though it may sound morbid, I love this time of night on the lake. It is so peaceful and beautiful. Every time I am out there I love staring down the lake, into the sun as it starts to set... Now that is America!! Up the Queen!