The 4th of July has Arrived!!

Well, folks here it is... Our vacation East has begun:

Starting our road trip we met Melissa to swap some things

Always happy for more time holding Philip

we were going to borrow this car top carrier to fit the extra luggage of the boys, but it didn't end up fitting. Thankfully, the boys and their stuff did.

After picking up Matthew and Micaiah and driving some more we stopped for the night. We forgot that we usually bring our own sleeping bags. Marscel tried to find an alternative bed

Micaiah showing him other options

The three of us flopped on this full size bed to hear Pa read the Bible before bed. We ended up sleeping that way... sure beat sleeping on the floor (the price of the place was reflected in it's cleanliness)

The following day we made it to the Maira's and enjoyed a relaxing morning playing croquet

Waiting for their turn

A pro steps up

It was such fun having Matthew and Micaiah with us again. It's always a grand time with them!

And with grand friends on top of a grand family... it just makes for a grand day!

Alright... I'll share!

Arriving at Michael and Rebekah's I get the fun task of giving Jack a bath. Despite the suds getting in his eyes he graced us with one of his cute little smiles!

Catching up with Grandma

Enjoying the lovely weather

With Thing 2 a simple slinky becomes much more

We've been going to this park as long as I can remember and it keeps getting smaller! I think parks were made for older kids... we had a blast in the short time we were there. It must have looked rather amusing with the boys in their nice clothes running like a bunch of little kids all over, as a passer by just stood and watched us for a little.

Just before watching one of the best firework shows... they had a grand finale... then a grander one.. then another one!

The 4th has arrived!

Three Cheers to Michael and Rebekah for all the coordinating you did to make this happen!

It's always so good to see dear friends!

Preparing for the entourage of people

The stage is set

Lines are reviewed and cues brought to remembrance

Last minute hair fixing... should it be sprayed stiff or solid?

It's like he stepped back in time

Friends are flowers in the garden of life

"Let tyrants shake their iron rod,
And Slav'ry clank her galling chains,
We fear them not, we trust in God,
New England's God forever reigns."

Once again Chris did an amazing job in the reading of the Declaration of Independence

The crowds listen intently

art

One of the three main photographers of the following play... A big thank you to Peter, the Flynns, Tayla, and Michael for the pictures of the day!

And now a glimpse into the Flynn's amazing play: The Hands of Time

"I thought you could use a bed time story.... about history, the American Revolution"

Capturing the history being made today of the memories of yesterday.

"History gleam and glow, let your story shine. Show us what's been lost turn back the hands of time"

"Once upon a time there was a town called Boston"

♫ "Put on your fighting clothes we've got a war at hand..."

I do so love their musicals!

"We'll sew a thousand shirts for all those minute men"♪

A farewell dance

"It's time to fire... let courage come from within..."♫♪

♪ "Then we'll come home after we fight and win!"

Hancock asking Washington if he thinks he's qualified...

"Tell me... what do you think of my stage presence?"

"Ah here it is! One vote for John Hancock! All the rest are for George Washington..."

What would a musical be without the music?

Ethan Allen: You dirty scoundrel! I challenge you to a duel Benedict Arnold!

"I know something you do not know... I am not left eye dominant either"

Arnold: Allen... what ARE you doing here?
Allen: I am going to capture Fort Ticonderoga!
And together they did

The Lobster-backs

A most moving scene... the death of Dr. Joseph Warren
"Don't cry for me America... please remember this. It was my privilege to give my life for you!"♪

Contemplation

An over the top view of the crowd mid scene

♫"You're lucky to own a bayonet, but you haven't got a clue. Somehow I'll make a man out of you"

King George debating himself of whether he likes those "sneaky and trick-sy colonists"

WHAT?!?!?

As you were...

Pianos come in all shapes and sizes when you have an imagination

A peep behind the scenes mid play

Nathan Hale spying out the British position at Long Island

I bet you can't guess who Michael is

Hurrah for Sybil Ludington!

For those who aren't familiar with her, she rode to alert American colonial forces to the approach of enemy troops. She rode more than twice the distance of Revere and was only 16 years old at the time...

and took down a highwayman!

♫♪"Red and white and blue, now the flag is done. One nation under God to unite us all as one"♪

After her part was done

"We'll take a stand and then proclaim let freedom ring!"

If this was a film this is where the credits would roll and you would want to start it all over again...A most talented group and well done job! Three Cheers for the Flynns!

Wuv, Twoo Wuv

Four generations of Thomas men

Always time to get some pictures in between activities

Let the Amtgard battles begin!
"Don't worry I've got your back"

The judges perch

Ok, so the captions may not have been our exact thoughts... but they may have been.

An epic attack from a dangerous duo

Wondering what it looked like in real time and epic slow motion? You can see here.
We also enjoyed some English Country dancing which you can see here
Thank you for getting those up, Nate!