In a Nutshell

With Independence Day falling on a Tuesday it seems that the festivities last nearly a week.

Friday:
My 9-year old niece, Louise, ventured to the big city for a girls night out/sleepover. We started the fun by meeting up with some other folks at Iggy's, followed by an excellent Irish step dancing concert in the park. The concert had over 1300 people in attendance and was probably the biggest turnout of the season. Lots of fun, but it was hard to see the stage.

After the concert, Louise really wanted to swim, so we headed down to the pool where she practiced everything she learned in swimming lessons until 10:30 or so. Back up to the apartment where we watched a movie until she fell asleep.

Saturday:
We headed out to breakfast where she ate nearly all of her adult-size French toast, egg, bacon combo (That child is stick thin, but eats practically everything in sight!); then we headed down south to a bridal shower for my cousin's fiancee.

After the shower I headed back home to edit some pictures and do some laundry (possibly a nap was taken during this time as well). Around 5:00 I loaded up and headed back down to UC for a dutch oven feast and fireworks with nearly all of the family.

Sunday:
It was all about Sparky as she received her official name and blessing. Congratulations to my brother who refrained from blessing her to "nourish and strengthen our bodies", a common LDS prayer phrase used when praying at meal time. He was really worried it would just pop out. Also good: quiet baby + no squirming = sleeping baby.

After the "church" portion we headed over to a local park and had a picnic to celebrate T2's special day. Aside from the Latino throw down over who reserved the pavilion (We did) it went really well and everyone had a lot of fun.

Festivities are set to continue through Tuesday with camping, BINGO, and Porkfest 2006.