Memorial Day Weekend

This past weekend was such a fun one.

Andrew and I have spent the past four days with family and friends.

It could not have been more perfect.

Saturday afternoon we loaded up and headed out on The Liberty Belle.

We met up with some friends, Thomas and Jennifer and their eight kids.

I loved having kids on the boat.

One of their boys, G, ran a continuous loop all afternoon.  He would climb up on top of the boat, jump off, and then do it again.

A few weeks ago Andrew bought a new grill for the boat and we were excited to try it out.

Boat food is always the most delicious food you'll ever have.

Sunday afternoon brought family for some lake time.  

We were on the water until 10 PM.

It's just so beautiful and peaceful out there.

We were back on the water Monday with even more family.

When we closed the boat up Monday afternoon, it was a little sad knowing we wouldn't be back out there the next day.

I'm not sure any of us were ready to leave the water, but we had to get home for our Third Annual Americana Porch Party.

I have to admit I was little discouraged about this party a week ago.  It seemed as if no one was coming and things just weren't coming together.

So silly to stress.

Everything came together and we ended up having our largest group yet.

Andrew and I love hosting this party.  We pretty much start planning the next one as soon as one ends.  One of our favorite parts to plan is our outfits.  

I actually bought a dress last summer that I planned to wear this year.

And then I bought a romper a few months ago that I planned to wear.

And then a few weeks ago I found some presidential shirts which led to me wearing a Reagan/Bush shirt.  

Andrew of course had to have an losing candidate.  

He stands out in the group picture.  He's been looking for a way to bring in yellow since the first year.

This is the one time of year he doesn't mind us purposely coordinating our outfits.

I love it.

2016

2015                                                      2014

It's all fun, but it's all possible because of the real reason we celebrate Memorial Day.  Thank you to the men and women who have served and are serving our country.  There is no greater sacrifice than to lay down one's life.  Only two have done this.  Jesus Christ laid down his life so that I can have the promise of eternal life.  The American soldier laid down his life so that I can live in a free country.  

Thank you to the families of those who have served and who are serving our country.  Your sacrifice doesn't go unnoticed. 

And just when I thought all the family fun was over, we got to have dinner with family Tuesday night, including Cary.  We missed getting to see our other Carolina Weavers.