The Best Things in Life Aren't Things.

That is what I have above Alex's crib in his nursery in big letters across the wall. This past weekend was one of the most fun weekends we have had as a family this summer. Of course it was the 4th of July so the campground was busy with people and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. We were lucky to have spent it with Kristi, Rhawnie & Ryan, and Brad & Amy. Anthony had so much fun swimming and playing with his little friends. He was enthralled with sparklers, smoke bombs, and water balloons. Typical little boy. Alex is so laid back he just went with the flow. Never fussed being slathered up with SPF or being passed from one set of arms to another. This weekend at one point I looked around and was so grateful for my family. We are all happy, healthy, and enjoying one another. I feel so blessed. Sometimes day to day a person gets so caught up in making sure that they are on the up and up that we forget to focus on the big picture. I was trying to explain to one of my friends this weekend how her life will change when she has a baby and it is impossible to truly explain how life changing it is. You suddenly could careless if you are able to go on vacation to Mexico or buy a plasma television. Material possessions just kind of fade away and you feel at peace as long as your kids have been fed a decent meal, taken a warm bath, and are sleeping peacefully at night. That is when a person actually really learns the definition of gratitude. My most favorite memory I will carry with me from this past weekend was right at dusk on the 4th of July everyone started lighting off their big fireworks around the lake. Anthony, Erik, and I snuck off to a small hill on the campground. It was just the three of us and their were fireworks going off in every direction over the lake, it was amazing. I looked down at Anthony and he told me,"Mom, your the best. I love you." For that I am truly grateful. Happy 4th of July!