I’m sure the fourth of July week was special for many of you, but unless you won the lottery you couldn’t top my week. I’m not sure even that would beat it. Of course, it’s not a contest!
First, by the end of the week all three of my husband’s sons, our two daughters-in-law and our grandson were home. Need I say more?
On July 3, Hubby and I went to a minor league baseball game (Nashville Sounds) with his middle son (the Marine) and his family. Because we are in the middle of the hottest weather ever felt by Nashville (literally–I’m serious), we ditched our seats and spent the whole game in the air conditioned comfort of the restaurant right above the batter’s box. The baby flirted with everyone near our table and at times was more popular than the game. I had mentioned to an account executive for the Sounds that our son was home from Afghanistan and she insisted we take her personal seats (very good seats, I will add) to the game. She also put a welcome home message to him on the giant message board for everyone to see at the end of the sixth inning. It was totally unexpected and almost made me cry. Thank you, Amanda Zuzik.
You’d think I’d know by now when the Marine is home the waterworks are apt to come at any time. People talk to him for two minutes and see what a remarkable young man he is (no bias here) and are totally charmed by personality. Strangers approach and thank him for his service. On the morning of the 4th, he ran a 5k (yes, in this heat) with a thirty pound backpack. “Why?” I asked. Because he could.
When he got home from the run, we gathered in the front yard and he took down the yellow ribbon that had been hanging in a tree in our front yard. We thought it was just our family…until the neighbors came out their front doors clapping.
The kids grilled out for us and afterwards we we went to the closest fireworks show, which turned out to be an impressive thirty minutes long. The baby didn’t even flinch. When he’s asleep, he’s asleep. We didn’t head into Nashville for the massive fireworks extravaganza done on the banks of the Cumberland River in sync to music performed by the Nashville Orchestra, but we weren’t disappointed with our suburban substitute. We’re officially in a drought so fireworks outside a professional show were banned this year and firetrucks were on standby at the event we attended.
Thursday, Hubby’s brother and his wife flew in from Phoenix and my oldest step-son arrived from Baltimore. We went to my mother-in-law’s farm about an hour north of here. Hubby’s sister and her family joined us. It was too hot to do much more than eat and nap. But since that’s what the baby does anyway, we all adjusted to his schedule.
As a special treat on Friday we rented a small yacht, complete with a captain to drive and cruise director to keep us directed. Of course we had no idea we were going to be in this inferno when we made our plans, but we’d wisely chosen something with air conditioning where we could keep the baby out of the sun. This boat had three bedrooms (I’m talking king-size beds in two), three-and-a-half baths, a picnic deck and a sun deck. The Captain showed us which stars lived where as we tootled along Old Hickory Lake until a storm blew in. (Yes, a storm, but not a drop of rain at our house!) He found a cove and anchored until it blew over. Then, the “boys,” Hubby included, jumped and dove off the boat until the Captain rang the last call bell. Hubby and I found a nice place to sit right in front of where the Captain piloted the boat. There was a nice breeze and we could see where we were going.
The reason everyone came to town at this particular time was for a party we hosted Saturday night for Hubby’s youngest son and his wife who were married at a destination wedding in Mexico last December. Only parents and her brother attended so this was an opportunity for extended families and the couple’s friends to mix and mingle. About eighty folks showed up for delicious bar-be-que catered by Jim N Nicks who made my job much easier.
Back to the farm yesterday for leftovers, and the departures began. Youngest and his wife drove home yesterday. Oldest and Hubby’s brother and sister-in-law left early this morning. Middle son and family are here until Thursday to ease the withdrawal pain a little.
Now, I’m sure you’re wondering where are the pictures? She always has pictures!
I can’t find my camera. Yep. This whole week I’ve been without it. But, my daughter-in-law, sister-in-law and even our ex-wife have all promised to share theirs so one day, hopefully soon, I’ll post a pictorial. Until then the words will have to do.
Speaking of words. Don’t forget the Blogvel. To read chapters one through six go to Bloom. I will write Chapter Seven and it will be my blog post next Monday.
So…how was your 4th of July holiday week?
~Kay
