4th of July at my house

I didn't take that many pictures because, well, I cooked.  And I "let" my cousin John man the grill.  He did a fantastic job and is welcome at my grill anytime.

Matthew's Cafeteria

I haven't been to Matthew's in years.  Yum!  Thanks Uncle Matt for giving us the excuse.

a nice visit

My aunt Maryann stopped by for lunch on her drive to Virginia.  She has an adorable 9 week puppy, Missy, who made Iggy very jealous when I got home.  It was good to catch up as I haven't seen her in at least five years.  I hope it won't be another five.

Missy and the remains of her pinecone

Sorry, this one is blurry but I had to include it anyway

Maryann, Susie, and Betty Lou

OOPS!

Yeah, so this happened.

work on the backyard

My hammock is here!  My hammock is here!  My hammock is here!  My hammock is here!  My hammock is here!

I mighty be a wee bit excited about it.  So I'm showing it off and my little herb garden.  And maybe my dog...

hang out with the Sebels

And introducing the newest member, Django...

We had baby happy hour in the park and then Tim and Mel made me Chicken Tika Masala from scratch and it was fabulous!  I had a second helping...

a busy Saturday

I went from weeks of working Saturdays and doing nothing social to having too many activities.  This Saturday, I attended Nola's 1st Birthday party at Pace and Miguel's new house, Jessica's Belmont Stakes party, and Jonetta's bridal shower.

To celebrate Nola and the new house, Pace and Miguel roasted a whole pig in their new backyard--yum! (I took mine togo)

Nola is the cutest one year old.  And you would never even guess that she was a premie.  Pace and Miguel's house is gorgeous.  They have spent months and months renovating and it all paid off.  It is rare that I have house-envy but theirs sparks it.  They have a wine room.  Yup, I said it.  Wine room.  I also got to spend some time with my favorite Sebel, baby Owen.

Then I ran over to Jessica's to watch the ponies race at Belmont Stakes.  No possibility of a triple crown winner but fun to watch and bet anyway.  I even won cash on the second place winner!

Finally, I headed to Crate and joined in Jonetta's bridal shower.  She leaves in 2 days to get married on the beach in the Dominican!  I hope she's well packed!  And then home to snuggle with Iggy.  He hates it when I try to snuggle...