All July 4th means to us is that our personal celebrations of two birthdays and one anniversary are over – and America takes over the spotlight.
I took a mini-getaway Up North on Wednesday so I could do a post-birthday celebration with my twin. First, I had lunch with 4 of my sisters (who I've always called the Older Girls) and 2 brothers-in-law.
Good lunch and visit and then they surprised me with some birthday ice cream.
If you ever wonder how I feel about getting birthday attention or a treat of any kind, it's pretty evident by the huge smile on my face!
After lunch, I connected with my twin and we opened some appropriate ice cream-related gifts from our sister Romey. The "cones" are actually ceramic candles. Just twist off the top and light for a yummy vanilla sugar smell!
From there, went to Lene's house and changed clothes and then headed out on Mudhen lake to kayak and eventually swim – on purpose. No kayak flips, honest.
Our cousin loaned me a kayak so I didn't have to haul one up (and drive Jim's big truck). Thanks, Candy.
The weather was perfectly warm with a light breeze – and the presence of 3 eagles! Oh how I wished I had my "real" camera and not just my smartphone to rely on. I guess since this was my first time out on the water this season, I was definitely out of practice.
After our paddle and swim, we headed back to Raylene's to change into dry clothes and exchange gifts. The "car coaster" above, which is meant to absorb water and condensation in the cup holder, is something I got at a Cracker Barrel in Nashville in April! When Raylene and I were singing on the wedding shower circuit in adolescence, "Bushel and a Peck" was always a song we sang!
I also got my lovely red-tractors-only farm girl a wind chime that is allegedly solar so perhaps lights up the tractor headlights? I'll be curious to learn more.
We continued our birthday adventures at Adventures restaurant in Siren. So excited they had my favorite – coconut shrimp – on the menu. Happy birthday to me again!
It was just so nice to have some one-on-one time with my twin to catch up on all things "secret sisterhood."
From there, I headed south to Luck, to spend the night at my sister Rachel's house.
Somehow, it's always the Golden Hour in Luck, Wisconsin. Am I right or am I right? So nice to catch up with her and see her amazing progress since her last surgery. She can't put weight on her left leg yet, but when she can, she'll resume her title as a "walking miracle" again!
Headed back to Rapids about mid-morning yesterday so I could spend Jim's birthday with him. We later went to a new venue called the Lake House at the River Ridge campground to hear some live music with friends.
The entertainment was Tanner Gomes, who was on Team Kelly on The Voice in season 19 (2020). He happens to date or is engaged to someone we know. Somewhat. He was very good and very entertaining. Great to see several friends too!
Today was just a "weekend" day of cleaning and vacuuming (me) and removing more nails from the siding (not me). Carter and Mamie were going to come home for the weekend but an unexpected family emergency on her part has them postponing their visit 'til hopefully just next weekend.
So we'll just celebrate our "freedom" tonight by doing nothing. Since that's our right.
Be safe and careful out there!
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