A Birthday in Stages

Sonja's birthday was celebrated in stages this year due to schedules and events that could not be rearranged.  

Just before her birthday, she received an early gift--a second piercing.  Sonja has been asking for a second ear piercing for the last year.  Without a real reason to say no, we decided that it would make a great birthday gift.  One afternoon, just days before her birthday, Nikolas and I got her into the car to "run errands", and took her to get her ear pierced.  Sonja was thrilled.  :-) 

On her birthday proper, she and I spent half of the day serving at a church event--by her choice.  We worked hard and had a good time connecting with our community.  After the event, she and I went out for a wing lunch--so satisfying!  Sonja loves books--especially vintage books--so we went on a short book hunt after lunch.  We didn't find anything good, this time, but it was fun.  On the way home, we visited the boys at work and picked up a birthday milkshake.  :-)

Upon our return home, she took a nap, we grilled out for dinner, and then enjoyed cake and gift opening. 

Charlotte, our MonKitty, was intrigued by the gifts and she tried to help unwrap them.   :-)

 Our celebration spilled over into the next day.  After church we went out to enjoy Sonja's choice birthday activity--roller skating.  The kids took to the rink quite well--Sonja even got fancy!  

John tested his limits on the skating floor and quickly decided that his ankle was not ready for such action.  Nikolas and I chose to be seat warmers as we both already had injuries to nurse and didn't want to take our chances.  

Still, Sonja had a blast and we made good memories,  :-) 

Welcome to 12 Sonja!  We love you!  <3

Celebrating Freedom

 

Independence Day felt a little extra weighty this year seen as cancel culture has stifled so much of the freedoms that America was built on.   We enjoyed a fireworks festival and display in a neighboring town the weekend before the fourth of July.  We ran into plenty of friends and met up with others.  We enjoyed food and games and a great display of pyrotechnics.  

Card games were great for passing time while we waited for the firework display

We enjoyed drinks at our favorite bourbon barrel coffee house--the kids got the drink special of the day--The Firework :-)

Sonja was happy to help out with our friend Austin's dog--dog siting while Austin played games :-) 

On the fourth proper, we started the day with a church service and transitioned into a great time of fellowship with friends.  Not only were we able to enjoy hours of conversation and games, but we had the privilege of introducing them to the hands on fun of fireworks of all kinds.  We had a literal blast!  

The Bartok and Cuneio kids

Hours of fun--Corn Hole, Throw Throw Burrito Extreme, Bocce Ball--to name a few 

Introducing friends to fireworks made fireworks extra fun!

What a great celebration of the freedoms so hard won for our country.  God bless America!