The Fourth of July came and went with a bang, both literally and figuratively.  Friday night was spent at Conner Prairie for the annual Hatcher Family Independence Day celebration (don't you dare call it the Fourth of July around my Dad...it's Independence Day only.)  My aunt, cousins, and second cousins (Toshiko, Emi, Ryan, Keiko, and Curtis) joined us for the night.  As usual, the spread of food was ridiculous, the wine was tasty, and the kids had a blast.  (The adults did, too, naturally.)  My only complaint is that the crowd this year was almost unbearable...and I am not one who likes crowds.  Overall, though, the night was great, and very obviously my Dad's favorite day of the year. 

Pictures as the night unfolded:

The best selfie shot I could get:

The boys: (L-R) Justin, Dad, Thomas, Ryan, Adam

Sweet Madison (Thomas's girlfriend)

The crowd (about 1/10 of it, anyway)

Thomas standing during the Marine salute

Leo enjoying his Grandma:

Ryan digging the music:

Dad's favorite part, the Army salute:

Aunt Leeney and Leo:

Very sadly, I have no pictures of Emi, Aunt Toshiko, Keiko or Curtis. Boo.

Saturday brought a pretty low-key day for us; a chance to get some home projects done. So far this summer, we have painted 7 rooms in the house, painted and installed new baseboards, painted the interior doors, installed a new storm door, laid new flooring in Leo's room, rid of a couch, got a new couch, and installed a basketball goal for the boys. I feel like we've done more than that, but now I'm drawing a blank. No matter; the point is that it's been a pretty productive summer so far. I'm happy with the much-needed home projects that have been completed. Thankfully, this week brings the last of it. Hooray for that.

Sunday was the actual Fourth of July celebration with the Marshes and the McHughs. Two great families, loads of great company, a few cocktails, and water fun for the kids (not to mention an absolute surplus of food and loud fireworks) was reason enough to leave the house, despite the horrific heat and humidity. A good time was had by all, evident by the following day, the laziest Monday ever.

This weekend brings Sweet Leo's baptism.  He's very excited.  His gown has been cleaned (still needs to be pressed), Katie and Thomas chosen as Godparents, family invited, and food ordered.  Really, he's very excited.  See?